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
-
Nearby Hakone makes for a lovely excursion, home to centuries-old onsen, cute shopping streets, winding mountain roads, lakes and shrines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Kyoto has some 2,000 shrines and temples.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Cemeteries, in particular, may serve as critical refuges for pollinators at a time when many natural habitats are disappearing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With full kitchens, massive stone fireplaces, and en-suite sanctuaries for every guest, they are thoughtfully designed for multi-generational travel.—
Amy Louise Bailey,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
-
In the two decades that followed, several Quaker, Presbyterian, Catholic and Jewish congregations across America and Canada used their houses of worship as sanctuaries for Central American refugees who were fleeing civil war, government repression and genocide.—
Menika Dirkson,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At least 800 evacuations have taken place in the county and five shelters have opened, as the fire threatens 300 more homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.—
Jeff Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
His posts reflect those realities, from running to shelters to supporting friends whose family members are serving on the front lines.—
Ariella Noveck,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On Bazaruto and Benguerra islands, ultra-luxe retreats have quietly welcomed in-the-know travelers in recent years, as Mozambique's tourism has steadily increased.—
Ali Pantony,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
-
From the coastal cliffs of Costa Rica to open-air Indonesian retreats, luxury villa rentals span locales and design sensibilities—if something rustic and Tuscan is not for you, something modernist and Mexican just may be.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 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
-
Iran, alongside Russia and China, has mastered sanctions evasion, using shadow fleets, alternative payment systems, and loosely regulated financial havens to move capital beyond Western oversight.—
Gaurav Srivastava,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The county’s housing bonds will support mixed-use development, such as the conversion of office buildings into residences above retail.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The remaining two residences are larger, each with a fourth bedroom and accommodating up to 11 adults.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
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