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
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
Initiatives decades ago saw all surviving birds of some species moved onto offshore, predator-free islands or into sanctuaries where they could be carefully monitored and protected, but where few New Zealanders would ever see one.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 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
The rush to secure sites near key transmission lines for battery energy storage systems, or BESS, has led developers to places like Acton, California, a bucolic Los Angeles County town of horse ranches and animal sanctuaries.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
But Creamsicle, dancing for his hens in New York, is living proof of what becomes possible when sanctuaries come together — and a reminder that even the most traumatized animals can find joy in a second chance.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Farm Sanctuary acknowledged the sanctuaries that opened their doors, including Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary, Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, Rooster Haus Rescue, Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary, Wild Spirit Farm Rescue, Lily’s Safe Haven and Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
The effort brought together sanctuaries from across the country, including Rooster Haus Rescue, Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary, Wild Spirit Farm Rescue, Lily’s Safe Haven and Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Initiatives decades ago saw all surviving birds of some species moved onto offshore, predator-free islands or into sanctuaries where they could be carefully monitored and protected, but where few New Zealanders would ever see one.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 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
The rush to secure sites near key transmission lines for battery energy storage systems, or BESS, has led developers to places like Acton, California, a bucolic Los Angeles County town of horse ranches and animal sanctuaries.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
But Creamsicle, dancing for his hens in New York, is living proof of what becomes possible when sanctuaries come together — and a reminder that even the most traumatized animals can find joy in a second chance.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
Farm Sanctuary acknowledged the sanctuaries that opened their doors, including Good Sprout Rescue and Sanctuary, Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, Rooster Haus Rescue, Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary, Wild Spirit Farm Rescue, Lily’s Safe Haven and Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2026
The effort brought together sanctuaries from across the country, including Rooster Haus Rescue, Haven Hill Animal Sanctuary, Wild Spirit Farm Rescue, Lily’s Safe Haven and Zen Hen Farm Sanctuary.
—Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuaries
Noun
-
Depending on the season (the camp opens from May through December, when temperatures are pleasant), days fill with picnics in the mountains, visits to Buddhist festivals, or merit-making ceremonies at nearby temples and shrines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Kyoto has some 2,000 shrines and temples.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Cemeteries, in particular, may serve as critical refuges for pollinators at a time when many natural habitats are disappearing.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Few county shelters have kennels, and people sleeping outside are often hesitant to abandon their pets just to sleep in a bed for a few nights.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
6 May 2026
-
All cats are up for adoption and come from local shelters.—
Ella Gonzales
May 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
Six-figure salaries were still common for officers and their relatives, as were fine dining, stays in posh hotels and expensive hunting retreats.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
-
Stem is among the early waves of people participating in legal retreats in the United States built around the drug.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
2 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 7 May. 2026.
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