sanctum

noun

ˈsaŋ(k)-təm How to pronounce sanctum (audio)
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
as in refuge
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

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 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 Superstar veterans who had accumulated wealth from winning Super Bowls and all the endorsement money that compounds in a major market invited Reese into their sanctum. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 2 July 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 By then, Israeli intelligence had planted a bomb in a Revolutionary Guards guest house that, in addition to killing the political leader of Hamas in Gaza, also demonstrated its ability to penetrate the innermost sanctums of the Iranian regime. — Richard Hall, Time, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
  1. shrine
  2. refuge
  3. sanctuary
  4. shelter
  5. retreat
Noun
  • Khamenei’s body will then be returned to Iran to be buried Thursday at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, his birthplace.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Khamenei’s casket was displayed Tuesday in Qom, the Iranian seat of religious scholarship, and Iranian officials have said funeral events will take place Wednesday in Iraq, which is home to two of the holiest shrines for Shiites.
    — Garrett Haake, NBC news, 7 July 2026
Definition of shrine
Noun
  • The city has taken a slate of actions to help sweat-dripping denizens find refuge from the heat, including opening up additional cooling centers and expanding pool hours.
    — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 4 July 2026
  • Residents are welcome to use the center during the day for refuge and to connect with available resources.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 4 July 2026
Definition of refuge
Noun
  • Rhaena goes to the Vale and begs Lady Jeyne Arryn for sanctuary, but the noblewoman wants nothing to do with her.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • In the warm ivory sanctuary of her office in her ambassadorial Georgian town house in London, Madonna is on the latest turn of the roller coaster that is her thrilling, adventuresome, and fecund life.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026
Definition of sanctuary
Noun
  • Place posters in the neighborhood, post on social media platforms such as Facebook and Nextdoor and check every nearby shelter for your pet.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Humanitarian workers say the emotional toll is becoming increasingly visible inside temporary shelters.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of shelter
Noun
  • View gallery - 18 images US design firm Renée del Gaudio Architecture has completed a 2,100-sq-ft (195-sq-m) retreat in Allenspark, Colorado.
    — Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The two-bed, two-bath main residence is indeed a retreat, with two separate studios for guests.
    — Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of retreat

Browse Nearby Words

sanctuary
sanctum
sanctums
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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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