Thesaurus results for SANCTUARIES

sanctuaries

noun

plural of sanctuary

as in shrines

a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) by law, anyone who sought refuge in a religious sanctuary was safe from arrest by the civil authorities

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as in refuges

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast

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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 sanctuaries 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 Not only making sure that these animals can retire and go to beautiful sanctuaries, but making sure that these workers are protected. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The theater, the ballet, the opera, and the symphony, where turning off your phone is gleefully enforced, are sanctuaries. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026 Think of the property's 62 rooms as sophisticated sanctuaries—modern, sleek, and intimate—done up in a palette of earth tones punctuated with pops of maroon and warm yellow, dark wood and leather. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Not all portions of Grand Traverse County are open to deer hunting and some whitetails are able to grow old in those sanctuaries. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 The waterfront suites with private verandahs and two-bedroom plunge pool villas are special sanctuaries. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Beyond a better understanding of positive inter-species relationships among apes and monkeys, the researchers say further analysis could also benefit mixed animal facilities at wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 During my trips to El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, both sanctuaries were mostly empty of tourists; cartels had been burning cars near the base of Sierra Chincua. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries

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

Definition of shrines

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

Definition of retreats

Noun

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
Within one of those havens, Ellora, lives Pavi, a 10-year-old street kid with no memory of anything beyond the past three years.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of havens

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sanctity

sanctuaries

sanctuary

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“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanctuaries

noun

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