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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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The state’s private waters are, in some ways, sanctuaries for the resource.
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Eco effort The resort is home to one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries in the Maldives, developed with Olive Ridley Project.
Noun
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The city has opened two dozen splash pads and eight cooling shelters across the city.
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A week after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, doctors warn untreated wounds, filthy shelters and scarce supplies are fueling a looming wave of infections that could claim more lives.
Noun
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Plus, having quaint beachside retreats just steps from cellar doors doesn’t hurt, either.
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The Zulal experience is all about taking advantage of the incredible wellness retreats, treatments and activities on offer.
Noun
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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
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These ships function as floating residences rather than traditional cruise vessels.
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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 6 Jul. 2026.
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