sanctuaries

plural of sanctuary
1
as in shrines
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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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 sanctuaries Don’t miss wearable glass costumes, an interactive botanical soundscape, glowing geometric light sanctuaries, and works by Dale Chihuly and other modern masters. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026 Still largely unfamiliar to most people are the figurines found in Petsophas and other Minoan sanctuaries. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026 These spaces are sanctuaries, refuges from digital saturation. — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026 In response, design studios, such as Nuvolari Lenard, are focusing on creating deeply personal floating sanctuaries. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026 Beyond offering scenery, the survey found that these natural settings often serve as private sanctuaries for emotional healing. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026 From digital networks to dance floor sanctuaries, the reimagining of reggaeton called ‘neoperreo’ — made by and for femmes and freaks — turns 10 this year. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 With a foreword by fashion designer Jenna Lyons, the book showcases a variety of distinct residential projects, from city penthouses and lakeside retreats to coastal sanctuaries, culminating in their first luxury yacht project. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Not only making sure that these animals can retire and go to beautiful sanctuaries, but making sure that these workers are protected. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
  • In 2025, two scholars of religion decided to make a multiday pilgrimage along the Kumano Kodō trail – an ancient route in Japan connecting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples – guided by an artificial intelligence assistant.
    — Shay Rabineau, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In Ghana, for instance, the ten shrines of the Asante Traditional Buildings are endangered as traditional stewardship by master craftspeople declines.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These spaces are sanctuaries, refuges from digital saturation.
    — Ingrid Schmidt, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Piling leaves in corners or under shrubs creates refuges for these species.
    — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • According to Gatto, the right traditionally emphasizes tougher criminal penalties for aggressors, while the left places greater emphasis on protection and support for victims, including shelters and specialized services.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, King was commissioned by Public Art Fund to produce a series of photographs that were displayed on bus shelters and newsstands across New York, Chicago, and Boston.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Sylge, who has spent the last 30 years attending and organizing health and wellness retreats around the world, developed this exercise to help people reclaim their time.
    — Margaret Cirino, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Door offers seven-day retreats, reasoning that that’s the amount of time required to bring you back to you.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As for the suites, the highlight is their private terraces, peaceful havens from which to admire, paradoxically, the urban whirlwind swirling below.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026
  • World-class accommodations and dining, wellness facilities, and an array of indulgent activities and events are transforming harbors into truly lavish havens.
    — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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