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
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
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
-
As Szakin points out, visiting temples and shrines such as Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji in Tokyo is often one of the most affordable ways to experience Japan’s history and culture.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Iran’s Shia shrines already draw millions of pilgrims from Muslim countries.—
Arash Azizi,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Manatee Season Central Florida from December through March When Florida waters start to cool in the winter, mammalian manatees make their way to warm refuges like freshwater springs and power plant outflows.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
Alberto Carvalho, an immigrant himself, has pledged to do all in the district’s power to maintain schools as sanctuaries for children of immigrant families — and activists patrol outside schools to help ensure safe passage to campus for parents and students.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
-
Outreach workers will give people living in encampments a week’s notice, then conduct daily outreach every day that week, attempting to get the homeless people into shelters or more permanent housing solutions, the mayor said.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
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Conditions worsened through the day on Tuesday, and evacuation shelters were set up in Woodward and Mooreland, with food provided by the American Red Cross.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The backstory Sitting on the site of a former sugar and coconut plantation from the late 1790s, the sprawling property encompasses the resort, as well as 39 private rental retreats and 80 residential units.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Our history has repeatedly placed us at moral crossroads, asked to decide whether our freedom struggle aligns with broader visions of human dignity or retreats into narrower self-interest.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Oil prices jumped Thursday to their highest level in nearly seven months and investors snapped up safe havens like gold, as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to flare.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Precious metal prices have climbed sharply over the past year as investors have poured money into traditional safe havens amid geopolitical instability, inflation concerns and ongoing economic uncertainty.—
Luke Fountain,
CNBC,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The 139 rooms, suites, and residences are done up in neutral earth tones inspired by the hotel’s natural setting; most have terraces and balconies with mountain views.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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Police have been searching his residences throughout the day.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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