sanctums

variants also sancta
plural of sanctum
1
as in shrines
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 sanctums By then, Israeli intelligence had planted a bomb in a Revolutionary Guards guest house that, in addition to killing the political leader of Hamas in Gaza, also demonstrated its ability to penetrate the innermost sanctums of the Iranian regime. — Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctums
Noun
  • In 2025, two scholars of religion decided to make a multiday pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō trail – an ancient route in Japan connecting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples – guided by an artificial intelligence assistant.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In Ghana, for instance, the ten shrines of the Asante Traditional Buildings are endangered as traditional stewardship by master craftspeople declines.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Piling leaves in corners or under shrubs creates refuges for these species.
    — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Bring your binoculars, and see for yourself at these eight wildlife preserves and refuges.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Not only making sure that these animals can retire and go to beautiful sanctuaries, but making sure that these workers are protected.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Officials were helping more than 50 people in temporary shelters, del Pilar said.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Officials look to house 600 people within its first year, getting them out of encampments or shelters and into more stable housing.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Fortune’s efforts to speak directly with participants in Armstrong’s and Lev’s retreats were unsuccessful.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • World-class accommodations and dining, wellness facilities, and an array of indulgent activities and events are transforming harbors into truly lavish havens.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Within one of those havens, Ellora, lives Pavi, a 10-year-old street kid with no memory of anything beyond the past three years.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The hotel previously shut down in 2005 for a renovation that converted many of its original guest rooms into private residences before reopening in 2008.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Written by art historian and writer Gay Gassmann, the book explores distinguished hospitality projects including Beefbar in Milan and Josun Palace in Seoul, alongside private residences in New York, Paris, Monaco and Switzerland’s Engadin Valley.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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