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

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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 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 What was once the sanctum of private thought had a microphone. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 But to assume the weekend was all the sanctum of the media landed gentry would be to assume wrong. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • More recently, controversies like a Pokemon card game event that was originally planned to be held at a shrine to honor Japan’s war dead still triggered angry comments on Chinese social media, but no obvious broader repercussions.
    Chan Ho-Him, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Prosecutors also say Gray was aware his son was obsessed with mass school shootings and had a shrine in his bedroom dedicated to the Parkland, Florida, shooter.
    La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Generations of Coloradans will see their stories here and imagine the days when legendary Black actors and authors sought refuge in Lincoln Hills.
    Anna Alejo, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The city is also expanding its efforts to open up new places in which people can take refuge, according to Mamdani.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In terms of affordability and reliability, consider IKEA your sanctuary.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Parents and community members spoke about the trauma caused if armed and masked immigration agents enter schools — an environment that should be a sanctuary for learning, not a stage for political terror.
    Randy Linville, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Gertie, a female boxer-mix, was found by a partner shelter in Tulare after she had been dropped off on the side of the road with serious injuries.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The gala, the organization’s biggest fundraiser, helps fund counseling, advocacy and emergency shelter for individuals and families who are survivors of domestic violence.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Rooms feel like a cozy meditative retreat precisely because the communal spaces pulse with vibrant NYC energy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Schoen, owner of the Paradise River Bend wedding venue and vacation rental property, often visits what was once a pristine retreat across the road from his cabins, surrounded by trees and nestled along the usually tranquil Guadalupe River.
    Abrielle Kate Maddison, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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