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
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
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
-
Religious pilgrimages to local shrines mix piety with communal festivities and music.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The forest is full of small challenges, not unlike the shrines in Tears of the Kingdom.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Under a 99-year agreement renegotiated in 2020, the property is owned by the Army but managed as one of the nation’s 573 national wildlife refuges managed by USFWS.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
-
The Family Fun Adventure Package includes ziplining, exploring wildlife refuges, beaches, and waterfalls, as well as S'mores at the firepit, and salsa lessons.—
Brandon Withrow,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Read on for a peek into her personal sanctuaries.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
15 June 2026
-
Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Places to shelter can include storm shelters, basements or interior hallways without windows.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Santa Clara County’s most recent homelessness report found families with children were more likely to land in shelters or temporary housing, leaving older adults without children more likely to remain unsheltered.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
Eileen Underwood leads Magic Kingdom’s Security team, which conducts the flag retreats.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
Where to Stay Ojai has a wide range of lodging options, ranging from colorful, family-friendly stays to upscale retreats.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Forbes Travel Guide’s Best Hotel Bars For 2026 Hotel bars are havens for travelers—locals, too—and to honor the watering holes on the top shelf, Forbes Travel Guide recently released its 2026 Hotel Star Bars, which spans 18 countries, from Singapore to Scotland.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
In the late 1800s, 10 houses of refuge were built along Florida’s Atlantic Coast as havens for shipwrecked sailors and travelers.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Florida’s legislature recently approved the ballot initiative to increase the tax exemption on homesteads (primary residences) from $50,000 to $250,000 by 2028.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
-
The Bergen commands monthly rents ranging from $8000 to $20000 for two- and three-bedroom residences.—
Amanda Lauren,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
