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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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 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 The theater, the ballet, the opera, and the symphony, where turning off your phone is gleefully enforced, are sanctuaries. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026 Think of the property's 62 rooms as sophisticated sanctuaries—modern, sleek, and intimate—done up in a palette of earth tones punctuated with pops of maroon and warm yellow, dark wood and leather. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Not all portions of Grand Traverse County are open to deer hunting and some whitetails are able to grow old in those sanctuaries. — Richard P. Smith, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026 The waterfront suites with private verandahs and two-bedroom plunge pool villas are special sanctuaries. — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Beyond a better understanding of positive inter-species relationships among apes and monkeys, the researchers say further analysis could also benefit mixed animal facilities at wildlife sanctuaries and zoos. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 During my trips to El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, both sanctuaries were mostly empty of tourists; cartels had been burning cars near the base of Sierra Chincua. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 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
  • Piling leaves in corners or under shrubs creates refuges for these species.
    — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Bring your binoculars, and see for yourself at these eight wildlife preserves and refuges.
    — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Officials were helping more than 50 people in temporary shelters, del Pilar said.
    — JAIMIE DING, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Officials look to house 600 people within its first year, getting them out of encampments or shelters and into more stable housing.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Fortune’s efforts to speak directly with participants in Armstrong’s and Lev’s retreats were unsuccessful.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Four-day yoga retreats on the riverbank, nature walks, and helicopter flights over Victoria Falls are just some of the activities on offer.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Within one of those havens, Ellora, lives Pavi, a 10-year-old street kid with no memory of anything beyond the past three years.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • From mountain retreats to waterfront havens, these beautiful spots are a balm for your physical and mental health.
    — Claudia Fisher, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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