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
  • And around the world, wars and religious persecution have destroyed prayer books, Bibles, Qurans, Torah scrolls, statues, iconography, shrines, relics and many other materials considered venerable.
    — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • These spaces are sanctuaries, refuges from digital saturation.
    — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Piling leaves in corners or under shrubs creates refuges for these species.
    — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Donate Your Pumpkins Animal sanctuaries, zoos, and farms sometimes take pumpkin donations to feed their animals.
    — Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Don’t miss wearable glass costumes, an interactive botanical soundscape, glowing geometric light sanctuaries, and works by Dale Chihuly and other modern masters.
    — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Palm Beach officials said in a press conference Monday that two shelters were opened to help evacuees of the nearby mobile home park.
    — Morgan Rynor, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Many people shunned the shelters and stayed in their vehicles outside their homes or in parking lots.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • These retreats, held throughout the year, fill up time after time with participants looking to find a sense of peace in the mountains of Virginia.
    — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The trend blends landscape design with wellness thinking, turning ordinary yards into immersive retreats built to calm the body through scent, sound, texture and water.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Whether or not your favorite team is noted below, all are welcome at these Orlando-area sports havens.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The brand recommends placing traps near pest-prone areas like baseboards, and in moisture havens, like garages and basements.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Properties are primarily based in cities, and Mallorca feels like a fresh and exciting new arm to its impressive portfolio, which now spans 46 hotels as well as private residences.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • These executive residences tend to be grand in style and scale, often possessing a long, rich history—even some haunted ones.
    — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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