Definition of sanctumnext
1
as in shrine
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) the city of Jerusalem is an important sanctum for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sanctum Make your bedroom a sanctum by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Yazid had never before penetrated the sanctum beyond the living room. Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 The 17 suites of the new hotel are similarly minimalist sanctums made of polished concrete and dark wood, tucked away in a wilderness fantasia and connected to a main building where guests congregate around an infinity pool and elegant restaurant. David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 What was once the sanctum of private thought had a microphone. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • Visits to the shrine are seen by Japan's neighbors as evidence of a lack of remorse for Japan's wartime past.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In the corner of her living room, Bri Gefroh has a shrine to North Dakota State’s run as the most dominant program in the Football Championship Subdivision.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Since 1957, believers and non-believers alike have sought refuge at the 10-acre estate, with meandering woodland paths and rocky gardens nestled along a quiet, lake-like inlet of Long Island Sound.
    Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
    Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The third-largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, nature sanctuaries, and The Baths National Park—a collection of pools and seawater grottos formed by huge granite boulders.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This desire for a sanctuary, coupled with an easy-to-maintain garden, has inspired what the Monrovia Nursery is calling The Sunday Garden.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Gertie, a female boxer-mix, was found by a partner shelter in Tulare after she had been dropped off on the side of the road with serious injuries.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The gala, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, helps fund counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter for individuals and families who are survivors of domestic violence.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Multiyear renovations at the famous ocean-front retreat, together with a desire for a larger, more modern venue, prompted the switch.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026
  • On the upper level, the primary suite is treated as a retreat within the retreat.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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