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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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 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 What was once the sanctum of private thought had a microphone. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • Heat owner Micky Arison was inducted into Hall as part of the shrine’s 2025 class.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
  • His 20,000-foot, palazzo was a work of art in itself—and a shrine to the Versace brand.
    Serena Turner, Vanity Fair, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Alongside state-level LGBTQ+ resources that have long been known to be some of the strongest in the country, Peoria has become a particularly apt choice for refuge.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Ghafari’s brother, 70-year-old Sami Ghafari, was among the villagers who sought refuge at the church in Alma al-Shaab.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The decision to inaugurate the first urban Six Senses property in Rome was partially driven by the owner’s love of all things Italian and is part of a new drive to bring sanctuaries to bigger cities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The historic 134-year-old sanctuary, which opened in 1890 and was used until a new facility opened in 2013, was a significant downtown landmark.
    S.E. Jenkins, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Other rabbits end up in her shelter after living their lives in a laboratory.
    Sharon Chin, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The hotel is just a short walk from movie-famous Notting Hill, but inside is a retreat from its buzzy streets and tourist hotspots.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Unseasonably warm weather patterns, including the unprecedented heat wave in March, have driven rattlesnakes out of their winter retreats in search of food and mates a month ahead of the typical start of rattlesnake season, Taylor said.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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