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
Popular routes include the Zhushan Sunrise Trail—where early risers catch a sea of clouds backlit by cherry blossoms—and forest loops connecting ponds, shrines, and scenic overlooks.
—
Alexandra Gillespie, Outside, 6 Mar. 2026
Its architecture and interior design likewise reinforced sumo’s connection to religion through aesthetic nods to the Shinto shrines where some tournaments had previously been held.
—Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Iranian cemeteries, holy shrines and mosques -- which normally are venues for the 40th-day ceremonies -- have turned into scenes of the most extraordinary ways of mourning in the country, as victims’ families have been dancing to mourn as a sign of defiance.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Closer to the lobby is the quaint Minsheng district, a leafy and walkable grid of low-slung streets filled with mom-and-pop shops, neighborhood shrines, and increasingly, indie cafes and design studios.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
As Szakin points out, visiting temples and shrines such as Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji in Tokyo is often one of the most affordable ways to experience Japan’s history and culture.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Iran’s Shia shrines already draw millions of pilgrims from Muslim countries.
—Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
There are no shrines to Lobotka in the style of those dedicated to Maradona.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Or incorporate rope and hemp, which Yoshida says can commonly be found in Shinto shrines.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Alexandra Gillespie, Outside, 6 Mar. 2026
Its architecture and interior design likewise reinforced sumo’s connection to religion through aesthetic nods to the Shinto shrines where some tournaments had previously been held.
—Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
Iranian cemeteries, holy shrines and mosques -- which normally are venues for the 40th-day ceremonies -- have turned into scenes of the most extraordinary ways of mourning in the country, as victims’ families have been dancing to mourn as a sign of defiance.
—Somayeh Malekian, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
Closer to the lobby is the quaint Minsheng district, a leafy and walkable grid of low-slung streets filled with mom-and-pop shops, neighborhood shrines, and increasingly, indie cafes and design studios.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
As Szakin points out, visiting temples and shrines such as Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji in Tokyo is often one of the most affordable ways to experience Japan’s history and culture.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Iran’s Shia shrines already draw millions of pilgrims from Muslim countries.
—Arash Azizi, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
There are no shrines to Lobotka in the style of those dedicated to Maradona.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Or incorporate rope and hemp, which Yoshida says can commonly be found in Shinto shrines.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrines
sanctuaries
Noun
-
Offshore trusts were marketed as quiet sanctuaries, insulated by geography and confidentiality statutes.—
Ascend Agency,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Spend your weekend by the waves, savoring fresh seafood and exploring the area’s wildlife sanctuaries.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrines. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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