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
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
David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctums
Noun
-
There are no shrines to Lobotka in the style of those dedicated to Maradona.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Tradition at Yasu Omakase includes the counter itself, a 600-year-old hinoki counter, which is carved from wood usually reserved for Japanese temples and shrines.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Nearby barrier islands like Sanibel, Cabbage Key, and Captiva add to the appeal, with scenic bike paths, wildlife refuges, and smaller communities that feel residential rather than resort-driven.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Another priority was to create little refuges for herself.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Coral planting in Costa Rica, women’s empowerment projects in Morocco, artisan preservation in Japan and Sweden, and elephant sanctuaries in Botswana are embedded into itineraries.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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In keeping with the wellness-first atmosphere, the bathrooms are true sanctuaries carved from limestone and slate, with custom products infused with local lemon, lady’s mantle, and edelweiss.—
Jackie Caradonio,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
National organizations like the American Red Cross deployed more than 1,600 disaster workers and opened warming shelters in two dozen states.—
Cat Ward,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Montgomery County During a Code Blue, the county has additional resources for people experiencing homelessness, including access to temporary warming shelters, food and clothing.—
Bill Kelly,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In Southern California, Ojai is a serene haven of spiritual retreats, boutique shopping, and lush orange groves.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
These natural springs can be enjoyed at traditional properties like Fujiya Ryokan or at modern retreats such as Amanemu, where guests have access to spa onsens and private onsen baths in every suite and villa.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a world where digital currencies vie with traditional havens, Hong Kong’s hub status could bridge fiat, crypto, and commodities.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
With the price of housing, food and other consumer goods elevated and confidence in traditional safe havens being tested, gold is increasingly viewed as a potential portfolio stabilizer rather than a speculative bet.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For most of the holdouts, their condos at Biscayne 21 were their primary residences, not second homes or investment properties.—
Catherine Odom
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The backstory The Park Hyatt Toronto reopened in 2021 after an enormous four-year renovation including the addition of a residential south tower with Park Hyatt residences.—
Todd Plummer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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