variants
also sancta
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
Relevance
2
as in refuges
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
used the cabin in the woods as a sanctum from the commotion and interference of his family
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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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
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
-
Monument Park sits behind the wall in center field, and it’s adorned with shrines, plaques and retired numbers.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.—
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.—
Peter Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
-
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Smaller thrift stores may re-donate unsold goods to shelters or other organizations, and items that still can't be reused are taken to specialized recycling centers in an effort to keep as much as possible out of landfills.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
-
Animal advocates said Mityana, a trading center in the country, is infamous for its sham dog rescue shelters.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The five retreats below — recognized for everything from beginner-friendly yoga to celebrity-grade fitness programming — span coast to coast and price points from accessible to splurge.—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
-
The property management company, Atlantic Hospitality, also oversees popular area retreats including Sandy Pines Campground in Kennebunkport and Salt Cottages in Bar Harbor.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Independent bookstores are magical havens for the next generation of readers—fostering a community that goes beyond the pages.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Some are surf havens with stellar waves, while others cater to families with calm waters and things to do right on the sand.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The union contrasted member struggles with the residences UC offers to chancellors and below-market-rate mortgages available to certain faculty and executives.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
In Europe, London and Paris both apply forms of surcharge or higher taxation on second residences and underused properties.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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