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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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
  • In Canberra, Harry also visited the Australian War Memorial, the nation's principal memorial to those who have served and died in war and on operational service, combining a shrine, museum and archive.
    Kylie Walters, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This public artwork and its function — as in, this party and the space’s purpose — feels like a mirror, a temple to self, a shrine to funk, a dedication and invitation to experience what is still so divine and aspirational about the present moment.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Seek refuge at rest areas or protected spots.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • When the news breaks of faraway civilian casualties — an erroneous air strike on a school that relied on outdated intelligence, for example — the mind takes refuge in abstractions and statistics.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Its Adaptive Active Noise Canceling creates a private sanctuary in the loudest crowds, while its 40-hour battery life ensures your soundtrack doesn't cut out mid-scene.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The 2026 Lincoln Nautilus is a 2 row midsize luxury SUV that focuses as a sanctuary on wheels experience, rather than aggressive performance.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Volunteer Kathy Smith said the shelter, which was founded 72 years ago, is in desperate need of help.
    Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Their first day included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital (which Prince Harry's mom, Princess Diana, also visited in 1985) and a solo engagement for Meghan at a women's shelter.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Set against the eerie backdrop of a remote forest in Germany, the story follows a group of young Americans from the beauty and fashion industry attending a wellness retreat.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
  • As the president of the National Immigration Law Center and Immigrant Justice Fund, Kica faces pressure with steadiness, rather than retreat.
    Jess Morales Rocketto, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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