Thesaurus results for SANCTUM

sanctum

noun

ˈsaŋ(k)-təm

Definition of sanctum

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

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as in refuge

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger used the cabin in the woods as a sanctum from the commotion and interference of his family

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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

The area behind the prime minister's house is the Bari Imam shrine and its surrounding neighborhoods.

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Original proposals placed the Grand Mosque near Les Invalides, a set of buildings that serve as a shrine to France’s military heroes.

— Shannon Fogg, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of shrine

Noun

Following the advice of food bloggers and influencers, overzealous visitors have thronged a rifugio (refuge) in Italy’s Val di Fassa valley, all because of this traditional pastry.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
As more than 50 others sought refuge in L’Arche de la Nouvelle Alliance, a Protestant church that had been sheltering people already displaced by the violence, the gunmen pursued them.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of refuge

Noun

Situated by the storied Osaka Castle, Patina Osaka is a modern urban sanctuary that pays homage to the Japanese city’s singular beauty and immerses guests in its dynamic culture.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Her condition ultimately deteriorated, and veterinarians were unable to revive her after her heart stopped, according to the sanctuary.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sanctuary

Noun

If their new Craftsman-style house seems overlarge for two, with plenty of shelter-mag built-ins, well, Tom is a successful crime novelist and there’s also a leaky attic and a creepy, warrenlike basement to be dealt with.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Part one, released this month, only deals with raising homes and floodproofing important community buildings like evacuation shelters and police stations.

— Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of shelter

Noun

There is a lot riding on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s speech here Friday morning at the Fed’s storied annual retreat in the Tetons.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
Warsh, despite his arrival as a disruptor of Fed protocol, embraced that summer-retreat spirit.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of retreat

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sanctuary

sanctum

sanctums

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“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanctum

noun

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