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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 Mario comes upon Bowser’s sanctum and sees that he’s turned his castle into the site of an all-night rager. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025 But to assume the weekend was all the sanctum of the media landed gentry would be to assume wrong. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 Daniel, his namesake establishment on the Upper East Side, a colonnaded sanctum of caviar and white linen, has remained both gastronomically and culturally relevant since its opening, in 1993. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025 But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • At the entrance to the town, a Byzantine-style shrine greets visitors, its mosaic depicting a gold-haloed Christ holding a cross in one hand and extending the other.
    Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Yet analysts expect her stance on visits to the Yasukuni shrine will soften in office.
    Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The island has long been a refuge for those who live their lives under constant gaze—The Obamas, the Royal Family, George and Amal Clooney have all escaped here for quiet restoration.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
  • There will be no refuge or forgiveness—only justice.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Water from a creek that ran alongside the church's two-story building overflowed and poured into the first-floor sanctuary.
    La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Once a sanctuary from the outside world, the hotel has become a haunting cage, and both women long to escape.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Leaf litter and hollow stems provide critical shelter and insulation for many insects and small animals during the winter.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just 10 minutes south of Sunnylands, Sensei Porcupine Creek makes for an extraordinary retreat with its full-service wellness programming and immaculate gardens.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Pressure for companies Target’s retreat mirrors a larger pattern across corporate America.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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