as in sanctuaries
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
for centuries pilgrims have traveled to the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket in Canterbury, England
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of shrines
The hotel’s bicycles are perfect for quiet explorations of a more local side of Kyoto’s city DNA—from local temple complexes and shrines (many without tourists) to centuries-old family producers and artisans, lining low-key streets.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
These schools are a far cry from the storied institutions that play in college basketball shrines like Cameron Indoor Stadium or Pauley Pavilion, or capture the nation’s attention during the annual March Madness tournaments.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026
Far from the neon lights of Tokyo, temples and shrines of Kyoto and the Osaka street food scene is Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost — and westernmost — prefecture.
—Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 Jan. 2026
From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.
—Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The alleged crimes include graffiti left on churches and religious shrines of different denominations in Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest and North Park, police said.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Mist curls through the jungle canopy as Ubud stirs with roosters crowing and incense rising from its ancient temple shrines.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
As the sun rose, the vermilion paint that decorates most Shinto shrines to ward off evil and misfortune began to shine dazzlingly.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Some pilgrims walk for days from various parts of Iraq or neighboring countries to visit the shrines of Hussain and his companions.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
These schools are a far cry from the storied institutions that play in college basketball shrines like Cameron Indoor Stadium or Pauley Pavilion, or capture the nation’s attention during the annual March Madness tournaments.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 17 Jan. 2026
Far from the neon lights of Tokyo, temples and shrines of Kyoto and the Osaka street food scene is Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost — and westernmost — prefecture.
—Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 16 Jan. 2026
From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.
—Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
The alleged crimes include graffiti left on churches and religious shrines of different denominations in Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest and North Park, police said.
—Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
Mist curls through the jungle canopy as Ubud stirs with roosters crowing and incense rising from its ancient temple shrines.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
As the sun rose, the vermilion paint that decorates most Shinto shrines to ward off evil and misfortune began to shine dazzlingly.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Some pilgrims walk for days from various parts of Iraq or neighboring countries to visit the shrines of Hussain and his companions.
—Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrines
sanctuaries
Noun
-
After years of minimalism and raw finishes, people crave comfort and warmth, especially in a post-pandemic world where homes serve as sanctuaries.—
Farima Ferguson,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The guest rooms skew coastal, with pale wood accents and white walls, while bathrooms are true sanctuaries, complete with soaking tubs and thick robes.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrines. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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