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
Relevance
2
as in refuges
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
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Recent Examples of sanctuaries
Read on for a peek into her personal sanctuaries.
—
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Two years later, voters in several Chittenden County towns formed the park district to conserve nature in the river valley, build ways for people to appreciate it and create sanctuaries.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Staying active is also not confined to the brick-and-mortar gym anymore, especially after Covid-era restrictions influenced many to build sweat sanctuaries at home, invest in equipment like Pelotons, or simply power on a YouTube video and hop on a yoga mat in their living rooms.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Both the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and the Palladium Ballroom in midtown, sanctuaries of Lindy Hop, mambo, and salsa, were integrated.
—Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
One is the widespread sense that homes are sanctuaries reserved for oneself and one’s immediate family.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Just 30 minutes from San Juan, the property is a 493-acre frontier cradled by two massive nature sanctuaries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
California schools should absolutely be sanctuaries for all students, regardless of their immigration status or gender identity.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 15 June 2026
Bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and vultures are all among the birds of prey visitors can see when visiting the 3-acre property on Lake Sybelia, which is one of 55 Audubon centers and sanctuaries nationwide.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026
Two years later, voters in several Chittenden County towns formed the park district to conserve nature in the river valley, build ways for people to appreciate it and create sanctuaries.
—Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Staying active is also not confined to the brick-and-mortar gym anymore, especially after Covid-era restrictions influenced many to build sweat sanctuaries at home, invest in equipment like Pelotons, or simply power on a YouTube video and hop on a yoga mat in their living rooms.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Both the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and the Palladium Ballroom in midtown, sanctuaries of Lindy Hop, mambo, and salsa, were integrated.
—Marina Harss, New Yorker, 3 June 2026
One is the widespread sense that homes are sanctuaries reserved for oneself and one’s immediate family.
—Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Just 30 minutes from San Juan, the property is a 493-acre frontier cradled by two massive nature sanctuaries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026
California schools should absolutely be sanctuaries for all students, regardless of their immigration status or gender identity.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
Religious pilgrimages to local shrines mix piety with communal festivities and music.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
-
The forest is full of small challenges, not unlike the shrines in Tears of the Kingdom.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
At the turn of the 20th century, the great institutions of urban life — libraries, museums, post offices, train stations — were conceived as luxurious refuges for those who could only afford necessities.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
8 June 2026
-
Gollner said refuges could save lives in some situations, but would need to be identified in advance by local emergency managers charged with wildfire response, who would decide when to use them.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
And a few, like Giuliana Rancic, will flog some specific Pratt issues, like the brutal state of the city’s animal shelters.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
-
While in office, Raman has voted dozens of times against establishing new no-camping zones near homeless shelters, senior centers, freeway overpasses and other locations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Eileen Underwood leads Magic Kingdom’s Security team, which conducts the flag retreats.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
-
Where to Stay Ojai has a wide range of lodging options, ranging from colorful, family-friendly stays to upscale retreats.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
Once a stronghold of canneries and lumber mills, the town has numerous tumbledown Victorians that have long been havens for artists, brewers, and various eccentrics—along with fans of The Goonies, who make pilgrimages to see where the seminal movie was shot.—
David Amsden,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
-
An end to the war would ease concerns throughout a region that saw Gulf havens and travel hubs like the United Arab Emirates struck by Iranian missiles and drones.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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