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 Pitanguy’s personal sanctuary could one day become a luxury resort, much like other private estates that are now being used for wellness, conservation, or hospitality. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The 9-year-old chimpanzee is the youngest primate at the sanctuary and, before arriving there, had never met another chimp. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 All, save the pilot, reportedly were tourists who had been visiting the Suyian wildlife sanctuary. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 School had always been something of a sanctuary for Delphine. — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary

Noun

Some temples may also have shrines dedicated to indigenous gods or spirits of the land.

— Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
Macombs Dam Park was originally intended to serve as a shrine to the team’s history.

— Sam Blum, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrine

Noun

Denis, who goes by Jan Mapou after his store, Libreri Mapou, has long been a fixture in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, a refuge since the 1970s for Haitians fleeing dictators and political unrest.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
Such spaces create temporary refuges from the digital stream, and allow habits of slowness, concentration, and absorption to become socially reinforced.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of refuge

Noun

Advocates for Baltimore's homeless community are calling on Maryland's General Assembly to investigate living conditions at several hotels the city purchased and turned into shelters.

— Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
French was shot dead outside Fordham’s Sammon Build Center shelter on Grand Ave.

— Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shelter

Noun

Works created by painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and fashion designers are all on display, making the space feel as much a cultural showcase as a luxury retreat.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Upscale retreats are being designed to blend seamlessly into some of the African country’s most remote environments; being hard to find offers the ultimate in exclusivity.

— Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 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 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanctuary

noun

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