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
Like rhinos, there are several rhino sanctuaries in the region, as well as the community focused wildlife conservancies and sustainable luxury lodges that are putting this part of East Africa on the travel map.
—
AFAR Media, 15 May 2026
As the play reminds us, finding sanctuaries of many kinds in these times can be very difficult to achieve.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Holly Mazur is the founder and president of Lew Dog Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting animal rescues, sanctuaries and shelters.
—Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Art beckons at Rothko Chapel and The Menil Collection, quiet sanctuaries where light, color, and contemplation merge.
—Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Elevate your next getaway with these nine stunning California rentals, ranging from elevated coastal seascapes to quiet desert sanctuaries.
—Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
Plenty of sanctuaries blur the line between rehabilitation and entertainment.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
AFAR Media, 15 May 2026
As the play reminds us, finding sanctuaries of many kinds in these times can be very difficult to achieve.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 13 May 2026
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.
—Peter Smith, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
The administration last year eliminated a policy against immigration enforcement in sanctuaries, which other religious leaders said should not occur at any time.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
Holly Mazur is the founder and president of Lew Dog Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting animal rescues, sanctuaries and shelters.
—Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 9 May 2026
Art beckons at Rothko Chapel and The Menil Collection, quiet sanctuaries where light, color, and contemplation merge.
—Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Elevate your next getaway with these nine stunning California rentals, ranging from elevated coastal seascapes to quiet desert sanctuaries.
—Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
Plenty of sanctuaries blur the line between rehabilitation and entertainment.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
Monument Park sits behind the wall in center field, and it’s adorned with shrines, plaques and retired numbers.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
The hilltop structures were originally built as Catholic shrines dedicated to the virgins they're named after, but were turned into military fortresses in the early 1800s—they have since been rehabilitated for tourism.—
Christin Parcerisa Vigueras,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island, and residents are renowned for their fierce opposition to anything that might imperil their pristine Atlantic home.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
The park preserves not only the trees, but also one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Smaller thrift stores may re-donate unsold goods to shelters or other organizations, and items that still can't be reused are taken to specialized recycling centers in an effort to keep as much as possible out of landfills.—
Alexandra Kelly,
Martha Stewart,
13 May 2026
-
Animal advocates said Mityana, a trading center in the country, is infamous for its sham dog rescue shelters.—
Christopher Edwards,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
No-phone retreats — getaways where resorts lock up, limit or ban personal devices — are emerging as one of 2026’s fastest-growing wellness travel categories, and the demand is reshaping what luxury hospitality looks like from Bali to the Bahamas.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
16 May 2026
-
Most guests adjust to no-phone retreats within 48 hours, according to Cool Places founder Martin Dunford, though the first 24 hours can feel jarring as travelers detach from constant notifications and screens.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Independent bookstores are magical havens for the next generation of readers—fostering a community that goes beyond the pages.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Some are surf havens with stellar waves, while others cater to families with calm waters and things to do right on the sand.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuaries. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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