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
Protecting these rare darkness sanctuaries is not only an environmental issue, but a scientific and culture one.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Upstairs, the primary bedroom and a generous guest suite function as spa-like sanctuaries, while the lower level is designed entirely for wellness and play, with a gym, steam room, sauna, and rec room, plus two additional bedrooms—including a kid-friendly bunk room.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
From the Appalachian Mountains to wide Texas plains, these top Dark Sky sanctuaries offer some of the clearest views in the country, according to research shared with Travel + Leisure from Inghams Walking, a travel company specializing in outdoor adventures.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Survivors say they were violated in sanctuaries, at pastors’ homes and in tents on camping trips.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Two other bodies, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, prohibit tiger breeding altogether for sanctuaries.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And while some, including PETA, have called for the remaining marine animals to be relocated to seaside sanctuaries, there is a notable lack of such sanctuaries.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
And despite headlines about shootings inside sanctuaries, 71% of homicides occurred outside – in parking lots, courtyards or on steps – when people were gathering or leaving.
—James Densley, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
The resort’s remoteness meant that mainland safaris to baobab forests and lemur sanctuaries required a (pricy) helicopter hop, but there was enough to keep us busy on Nosy Ankao and its neighboring islets.
—Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Upstairs, the primary bedroom and a generous guest suite function as spa-like sanctuaries, while the lower level is designed entirely for wellness and play, with a gym, steam room, sauna, and rec room, plus two additional bedrooms—including a kid-friendly bunk room.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
From the Appalachian Mountains to wide Texas plains, these top Dark Sky sanctuaries offer some of the clearest views in the country, according to research shared with Travel + Leisure from Inghams Walking, a travel company specializing in outdoor adventures.
—Dana Sauchelli, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Survivors say they were violated in sanctuaries, at pastors’ homes and in tents on camping trips.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025
Two other bodies, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association, prohibit tiger breeding altogether for sanctuaries.
—Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And while some, including PETA, have called for the remaining marine animals to be relocated to seaside sanctuaries, there is a notable lack of such sanctuaries.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
And despite headlines about shootings inside sanctuaries, 71% of homicides occurred outside – in parking lots, courtyards or on steps – when people were gathering or leaving.
—James Densley, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2025
The resort’s remoteness meant that mainland safaris to baobab forests and lemur sanctuaries required a (pricy) helicopter hop, but there was enough to keep us busy on Nosy Ankao and its neighboring islets.
—Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.—
Jade Moyano,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
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The alleged crimes include graffiti left on churches and religious shrines of different denominations in Bankers Hill, Golden Hill, Hillcrest and North Park, police said.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Hugging Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, Limón province is rich with natural wonders, from its white-sand beaches to its multiple wildlife refuges and volcanic landscapes.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Lodging options vary from winter campsites and rustic cottages, to cozy micro-refuges and larger chalets.—
Outside,
Outside,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Other big stories ➤ These are the pets up for adoption in metro Phoenix shelters this week.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The website is also how people get information, including where to find shelters, at a time when the temperature is dropping.—
Nushrat Rahman,
Freep.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Most co-curricular activities, like arts and leadership programs, would be shared, but spiritual programming and retreats would remain separate.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
12 Nov. 2025
-
One of Middle Tennessee's most storied creative retreats — and the birthplace of Taylor Swift's debut album — is officially up for sale.—
Bryan West,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
When disaster strikes, public school buildings are integral as safe havens in hundreds of predominantly Indigenous villages scattered across Alaska's vast landscape.—
Emily Schwing,
NPR,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Many of them traveled hundreds of miles to California and other havens.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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