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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 In a world without God, the homies are a sanctum. 5. Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 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 And then there were the Satanists — who welcomed him into their sanctum without judgment. Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2024 Tehran is taking its time to reveal how, yet again, its innermost sanctum was violated by Israel. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 31 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • Praise and worship will be at the shrine, along with food trucks and fireworks.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
  • Some pilgrims, unlike me, mark the final kilometers of their journey by advancing to the shrine through the streets on their knees.
    Caitlin Cipolla-McCulloch, The Conversation, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Islands can also act as refuges for forms of life that have gone extinct elsewhere, respites for creatures that swim, raft and even walk to the landmasses.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
  • Israel’s response has been nothing less than countering Iran’s existential threat to its survival as a refuge and a nation of the Jewish people.
    Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • The Eaton fire decimated her quaint home in the northwest corner of Altadena near Jane’s Village, reducing her sanctuary to a pile of rubble.
    Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • The desire to leave your personal sanctuary may be low today.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 21 June 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, 27 June 2025
  • Stocking your storm shelter with non-perishable food items and plenty of water is essential.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration’s budget proposals for EPA represent a striking retreat from the national goals of clean air and clean water enacted in federal laws over the past 55 years.
    Janet McCabe, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
  • Several House Democrats — including members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus — reportedly urged her to run during a caucus policy retreat, with one lawmaker speaking to her directly about the idea.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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