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as in shrine
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion) the city of Jerusalem is an important sanctum for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sanctum In a world without God, the homies are a sanctum. 5. Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 But the maestro was powerless to stifle a burst of gratitude and relief, a communal exhalation, prompted by music, that could only take place in the sanctum of a concert hall. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024 And then there were the Satanists — who welcomed him into their sanctum without judgment. Alex Bhattacharji, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2024 Tehran is taking its time to reveal how, yet again, its innermost sanctum was violated by Israel. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 31 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
Noun
  • Nara is home to some of the most stunning temples in Japan as well as several beautiful gardens and shrines.
    Acacia Gabriel, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
  • There was a shrine to the team in his office, vying for space with autographed film posters.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 7 May 2025
Noun
  • Many North Slope Iñupiat leaders who support drilling in the refuge felt their voices were not heard during the Biden era.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 June 2025
  • The project involves creating a pedestrian refuge island across Illinois Street, and reducing lanes on Illinois Street to include dedicated bike lanes between Riverside Avenue and First Street.
    Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • As the world’s largest shark sanctuary, French Polynesia offers scientists a place to study sharks and rays without the intense fishing pressure found in most other parts of the world.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • From a contemporary A-frame style residence to a mountain retreat made for entertaining, the homes in the firm’s portfolio showcase its ability to harness the latest technology to craft personal sanctuaries.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
  • Architect Marina Tabassum’s 2025 Serpentine Pavilion is a meditation on shelter, climate and community—a place for gathering, reflection, and imagining new ways of being together in public space.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Always wanted to live out your very own Pretty Woman fantasy—albeit one that involves idling away your days at a tropical beachfront retreat in Hawaii as opposed to a posh Beverly Hills hotel?
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
  • The western portion of the continent is in particular peril of ice shelf retreat.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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