1
as in shrine
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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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 sanctuary The sanctuary provides over 100,000 pounds of food a week at its peak. Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025 The relaxed nature of third places provides a sanctuary where people can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment or expectations. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Despite Mitchell's protests, the news of the seizure for celebration for Big Cat Rescue, the former sanctuary for large cats founded by Carole Baskin that now focuses its time and funds on conservation efforts. Chris Spargo, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Most people educated in England will remember school trips to Roman villas and nature sanctuaries. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
Noun
  • Fahad Shah In Srinagar city, Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital, papier-mâché art adorns the walls and ceilings of everything from Sufi shrines and mosques to homes and hotels.
    Fahad Shah, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The mountain is dotted with age-old shrines and temples, along with miles of hiking trails, and hanami parks.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Historically, during periods of market turbulence and economic uncertainty, investors typically seek refuge in safe-haven assets—with U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar being the traditional gold standards of security.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • The first drop pays homage to Jackson, Wyo., where Season 2 begins, after the two main characters found temporary refuge there in Season 1.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Unable to care for them, and hoping the 5- and 7-year-old beloved pets would be able to find a new home quickly, the owner brought them to the shelter and tearfully wished them well.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Millions of animals are waiting in one of the many shelters in the U.S. for the opportunity to go to a fur-ever home.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Thanks to a $25 million renovation that wrapped in 2018, the 271 guest rooms and suites are spacious retreats, boldly accented with shades of deep amethyst, robin egg blue, and gold, and classically done up with the essentials for a good night’s sleep.
    Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Inside, retreat from the sun to rooms lined with stone floors and bathed in calming neutrals.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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