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

Relevance
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 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
  • In a ceremony broadcast live on Facebook, hundreds of Catholics can be seen singing, praying and honoring the shrine by laying yellow sunflowers as offerings.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Japanese politicians under other Administrations, including Ishiba’s, have also visited the shrine, as do thousands of Japanese people every year, which has drawn criticism from China.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Legendary actor Marlon Brando bought this French Polynesia refuge in the 1960s—after filming Mutiny on the Bounty nearby—and his estate has transformed it into an eco-luxe private island paradise.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Charlotte had been her refuge from the violence abroad, but now Zarutska lost her life there.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Play around with burgundy, pink, blue, black, browns, and whites to create a bedding sanctuary that’s all yours.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The triangular chain of reefs and rocks is coveted for its strategic location, bountiful fish stocks, and role as a sanctuary for boats during storms.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Eighteen students who fled from the shooting took shelter at a home just down the road, after an initial group of them pounded on the door asking for help, resident Don Cygan told 9News.
    Katie Langford, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Consider this an opportunity to heal, rest, retreat and practice more mindfulness.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Recorded in home studios and retreats filled with friendships and free-spirited experimentation, Cripple Crow felt more like a collective effort than a solo project.
    Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!