Thesaurus results for SANCTUARY

sanctuary

noun

ˈsaŋ(k)-chə-ˌwer-ē

Definition of sanctuary

as in shrine

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in refuge

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sanctuary 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 Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of providing sanctuary to TTP militants, an allegation Kabul denies. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Set the scene On a paradisiacal slice of sand on the Thai island of Koh Samui is Kamalaya – a wellbeing sanctuary that promises to help guests ‘live life’s potential’. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026 Greenberg went on to convert the six-bedroom, eight-bath property into a deeply personal sanctuary. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary

Noun

Marfa is also home to the Judd Foundation, which maintains a spectacular shrine of buildings spread through the center of town.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
The Vatican has not said when Leo learned of the cancer; his recent visit to Lourdes, a shrine associated with miraculous cures, is taking on new significance.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrine

Noun

The church had been our refuge and our launching pad, our sanctuary and our strategy room.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
Raney Aronson-Rath A chronicle of one Syrian daughter’s journey in fleeing war and seeking refuge in Germany, and how over ten years, new pressures and opportunities present themselves.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuge

Noun

After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
An industry in retreat In 2026, hybrids and all-electric vehicles faced the same jump in demand from the oil crisis.

— John Paul Helveston, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Browse Nearby Words

sanctuaries

sanctuary

sanctum

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“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanctuary

noun

Example Sentences

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