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
-
On June 3, the Bahraini government banned its citizens from travelling to Iran and Iraq, home to some of the most important shrines in Shiite Islam.
-
The central story was the overwhelming evidence indicating that Russia’s attack on one of Christianity’s greatest shrines during its military assault on Kyiv was a war crime.
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.
-
The Family Fun Adventure Package includes ziplining, exploring wildlife refuges, beaches, and waterfalls, as well as S'mores at the firepit, and salsa lessons.
Noun
-
The islands are wildlife sanctuaries.
-
As with most titles in the category, hallways become battlegrounds and bedrooms double as sanctuaries.
Noun
-
Meanwhile, thousands of immigrants have gathered in temporary shelters, near embassies and elsewhere citing fear of attacks.
-
At a time when shelters are looking for every possible way to help pets find homes, Muttville is thinking outside the litter box.
Noun
-
One of my favorite ways to do this is small scale retreats with friends.
-
At first, many reluctantly signed up at the urging of their wives, some of whom had previously attended her women’s retreats.
Noun
-
Nothing is as attractive to a skunk as a cozy woodpile or rock pile to den in, says Fyffe, so keeping your yard free from those skunk havens is key.
-
From a Bavarian village to whale-watching havens, these are nine of the most beautiful towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Noun
-
These ships function as floating residences rather than traditional cruise vessels.
-
Recent reports on royal residences even revealed that the two hold royal homes, and are not even paying rent for them.
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
