sanctums

variants also sancta
plural of sanctum
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

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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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctums
Noun
  • In 2025, two scholars of religion decided to make a multiday pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō trail – an ancient route in Japan connecting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples – guided by an artificial intelligence assistant.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In Ghana, for instance, the ten shrines of the Asante Traditional Buildings are endangered as traditional stewardship by master craftspeople declines.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Piling leaves in corners or under shrubs creates refuges for these species.
    — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Bring your binoculars, and see for yourself at these eight wildlife preserves and refuges.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • From digital networks to dance floor sanctuaries, the reimagining of reggaeton called ‘neoperreo’ — made by and for femmes and freaks — turns 10 this year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Smith has called for more clarity around shelters in city zoning code.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Here are Norte fire evacuations, shelters and school closures.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • After hours, Neo-Vision parks his body in the bar’s walk-in fridge and retreats to a mind palace modeled after a British country manor.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • World-class accommodations and dining, wellness facilities, and an array of indulgent activities and events are transforming harbors into truly lavish havens.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jackson Hole's first and only ski-in, ski-out ultra-luxury private club and residences, which opened in January 2026, has five-star amenities, personalized service, and accommodations that rival the swishiest rentals.
    — Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The controversial project calls for eight 30-story towers, all 300 feet tall, with a total of 3,144 residences.
    — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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