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
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
The islands are wildlife sanctuaries.
—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2026
As with most titles in the category, hallways become battlegrounds and bedrooms double as sanctuaries.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
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
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
21 June 2026
As with most titles in the category, hallways become battlegrounds and bedrooms double as sanctuaries.
—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
On June 3, the Bahraini government banned its citizens from travelling to Iran and Iraq, home to some of the most important shrines in Shiite Islam.
-
The central story was the overwhelming evidence indicating that Russia’s attack on one of Christianity’s greatest shrines during its military assault on Kyiv was a war crime.
Noun
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Under a 99-year agreement renegotiated in 2020, the property is owned by the Army but managed as one of the nation’s 573 national wildlife refuges managed by USFWS.
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The Family Fun Adventure Package includes ziplining, exploring wildlife refuges, beaches, and waterfalls, as well as S'mores at the firepit, and salsa lessons.
Noun
-
The city has opened two dozen splash pads and eight cooling shelters across the city.
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A week after Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, doctors warn untreated wounds, filthy shelters and scarce supplies are fueling a looming wave of infections that could claim more lives.
Noun
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Plus, having quaint beachside retreats just steps from cellar doors doesn’t hurt, either.
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The Zulal experience is all about taking advantage of the incredible wellness retreats, treatments and activities on offer.
Noun
-
Nothing is as attractive to a skunk as a cozy woodpile or rock pile to den in, says Fyffe, so keeping your yard free from those skunk havens is key.
-
From a Bavarian village to whale-watching havens, these are nine of the most beautiful towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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