Definition of sanctumnext
1
as in shrine
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

Relevance
2

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 sanctum 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 Make your bedroom a sanctum by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Yazid had never before penetrated the sanctum beyond the living room. — Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
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
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
Noun
  • Zoo manager Jocelyn Smeltzer said the group wanted to invest in improvements that would benefit the sanctuary for years to come.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Another idea is to create a brush pile shelter in your yard to help native wildlife, including pollinators, according to LoRusso.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Decker said people who are homeless can feel hesitation to come into shelter, but Open Doors has built a rapport in the neighborhood and would want to stay.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster