Thesaurus results for SANCTUARY

sanctuary

noun

ˈsaŋ(k)-chə-ˌwer-ē

Definition of sanctuary

as in shrine

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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as in refuge

something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger the marshland has been set aside as a sanctuary for shorebirds along that section of the coast

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sanctuary Rahman’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party took power following the popular ouster in 2024 of autocratic former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom India granted sanctuary, deepening the rift between the neighbors. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 Oct. 2026 Just 20 minutes from the city, Lone Pine is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, established in 1927. — Alli Forde, Travel + Leisure, 17 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 The church had been our refuge and our launching pad, our sanctuary and our strategy room. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary

Noun

Marfa is also home to the Judd Foundation, which maintains a spectacular shrine of buildings spread through the center of town.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
The Vatican has not said when Leo learned of the cancer; his recent visit to Lourdes, a shrine associated with miraculous cures, is taking on new significance.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrine

Noun

This secluded outdoor oasis connects seamlessly to multiple entertaining decks, offering a quiet, woodsy refuge and the exact same solitude Reckell sought decades ago.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
The second half was delayed for 20 minutes due to a siren going off in the area alerting them to a possible attack — none materialised — with players and staff having to take refuge in the stadium’s shelter.

— Simon Johnson, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuge

Noun

Marxt filmed fires, firefighters, inside a shelter (with a sign highlighting that there was no access for media) and more.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2026
In November 2021, crew members took shelter inside their spacecraft after a Russian anti-satellite weapons test created a dangerous cloud of debris.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of shelter

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
Even if oil prices retreat, fares are unlikely to return to pre conflict levels.

— , CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of retreat

Browse Nearby Words

sanctuaries

sanctuary

sanctum

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Style

“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sanctuary

noun

Example Sentences

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