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
-
Popular routes include the Zhushan Sunrise Trail—where early risers catch a sea of clouds backlit by cherry blossoms—and forest loops connecting ponds, shrines, and scenic overlooks.—
Alexandra Gillespie,
Outside,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Its architecture and interior design likewise reinforced sumo’s connection to religion through aesthetic nods to the Shinto shrines where some tournaments had previously been held.—
Joshua Hunt,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Wild camping is generally permitted in rural Morocco, and many trekkers camp near mountain refuges or in open areas while observing Leave No Trace practices.—
Alexandra Gillespie,
Outside,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But efforts to replenish herds at Yellowstone and other refuges have restored wild herds.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
About 500 condors now call breeding centers and the skies over wildland sanctuaries home.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Those myths were conveyed through performance, sung in the great halls of the elite, recited at festivals all across the ancient world, staged at the theatre to large audiences, and displayed on wall paintings, mosaics, vases, and sculptures that adorned both sacred sanctuaries and city-states.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The ordinance grants the city manager unilateral authority to approve contracts worth up to $5 million when they are related to creating a temporary shelters for the homeless.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
11 Mar. 2026
-
While the data showed just more than 120,000 people were listed as being housed in shelters set up across the country, Baban said many were sleeping in tents on the streets of Beirut or in parked cars.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Andrew has moved to a property on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, while Sarah’s whereabouts are unknown—although she has been rumored to be everywhere from the French Alps to the United Arab Emirates to wellness retreats in both Switzerland and Ireland.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Before the Bride elbows her way into his life, Frank, ever so lonely, retreats into the world of movies.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In contrast, the war with Iran sent investors searching for havens like gold but did little to dim corporate earnings prospects.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Investors fled to havens such as gold and the Swiss franc, while S&P 500 futures fell more than 1%.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Its inaugural ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II, are designed entirely with oceanfront suites, penthouses, and residences, each featuring a private terrace.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
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The architect’s passion for combining design and nature meant that many of his residences were built in rural areas.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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