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 His primary qualification for infiltrating the innermost sanctums of Trumpworld would seem to be a vast capacity for cozying up to friends of the Donald. Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 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
  • Mother pleads for help finding son His mother asked community members to check hotels, hostels, capsule hotels, internet cafés, manga cafés, train stations, convenience stores, hiking areas, rivers, shrines and other places.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • The importance of shrines and temples to the cultural life of Tokyo can’t be overstated.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • This artistic refuge showcases a variety of designs, colors, and textures with pollinator-friendly plants like wildflowers, grasses, a vegetable garden, and fruit trees.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
  • From a distance, other systems appeared more humane, more rational — a refuge from our own frustrations.
    Nisha Narayanan, STAT, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • The spa serves as a sanctuary for adults looking to relax, and golfers can disappear for the day at the 18-hole course designed by the legendary Donald Ross.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Each adventure helps construct a massive iron robot to confront the chaos outside their analog studio sanctuary, sizing up the fire like their hip-hop hero Lord Quas, and cheered on by their trusty collectible figurines.
    Tatiana Lee Rodriguez, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2026
  • Roaches are attracted to food sources, moisture, and shelter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, an Honorary Member of the UK Association of Jungian Analysts, and has taught and lectured at many academic institutions, Jungian organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • Its exact purpose remains debated — possibly a palatial retreat for the emperor Pachacuti, possibly an administrative and trading center supported by eight access routes.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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