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
  • Some Fascists admired Japan’s use of Shinto shrines and ritual to endow its militaristic nationalism with spiritual power.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Omamori are traditional Japanese good luck charms sold at shrines and temples.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Bring your binoculars, and see for yourself at these eight wildlife preserves and refuges.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
  • While low flows continue to persist in sections of the Colorado River, cold tributaries, deeper-water refuges in narrow canyon reaches, and larger pools provide cool refuges for fish.
    — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Mountains, vineyards, coastal retreats, forests, or even rural villages are becoming sanctuaries where guests can unplug, breathe, and rediscover balance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Not all portions of Grand Traverse County are open to deer hunting and some whitetails are able to grow old in those sanctuaries.
    — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Some families planned to head to shelters in Ciudad Constitucion, about 37 miles away, while dozens of people elsewhere in the state were evacuated.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Hundreds of people in the region evacuated, hunkering down in nearby shelters in schools and other facilities.
    — Megan Janetsky, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From mountain retreats to waterfront havens, these beautiful spots are a balm for your physical and mental health.
    — Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026
  • No-phone retreats, unplugged travel packages and school restrictions have already normalized the idea that some environments simply don’t include constant connectivity.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From mountain retreats to waterfront havens, these beautiful spots are a balm for your physical and mental health.
    — Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Miami remains the perennial grande dame, while further north, in the Palm Beaches, travelers encounter charming vias tucked behind Worth Avenue and unspoiled wildlife havens.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • With just 47 residences, the building is very much aimed at the trophy-home crowd, offering expansive terraces and views over the Mediterranean.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • On the south side, Building B would have 90 residences; Building C would have 75; and Building D would have 73.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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