variants
also sancta
1
as in shrines
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
as in refuges
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sanctums
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
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
Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctums
Noun
-
Iran’s Shia shrines already draw millions of pilgrims from Muslim countries.—
Arash Azizi,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
-
There are no shrines to Lobotka in the style of those dedicated to Maradona.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Nearby barrier islands like Sanibel, Cabbage Key, and Captiva add to the appeal, with scenic bike paths, wildlife refuges, and smaller communities that feel residential rather than resort-driven.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Another priority was to create little refuges for herself.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Coral planting in Costa Rica, women’s empowerment projects in Morocco, artisan preservation in Japan and Sweden, and elephant sanctuaries in Botswana are embedded into itineraries.—
Daniel Scheffler,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
In keeping with the wellness-first atmosphere, the bathrooms are true sanctuaries carved from limestone and slate, with custom products infused with local lemon, lady’s mantle, and edelweiss.—
Jackie Caradonio,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Donate functional toys no longer played with to shelters, thrift stores, daycares, or other local organizations in need.—
Kaylei Fear,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Feb. 2026
-
With a capacity of 30 beds across the overnight shelters, Interfaith was forced to turn some people away due to capacity limits.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Over the years, the pair has assembled a real estate portfolio anchored by a compound in Calabasas, California, and complemented by everything from island retreats in Hawaii to suburban hideaways in Maryland.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The group holds yearly men’s retreats in cities such as Orlando, Tampa, and Atlanta.—
Kamal Morgan
February 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The state hosting the Super Bowl this year, California, is not one of those legal safe havens for sports gambling.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The sell-off comes alongside broader market woes, with tech stocks sliding and investors increasingly seeking shelter in old-school safe havens like gold and government bonds.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The rooms Across 67 rooms, there are three categories—all of which have a balcony or terraces—spacious suites, and even residences.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Starting prices for the units are expected to be around $425,000 for studios, in the $500,000s for one-bedroom units, and in the $900,000s for two-bedroom residences, according to Centurion Real Estate.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctums.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctums. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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