1
2
as in refuge
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
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
Through their expertise and stewardship, Del Mar Garden Club members contribute to the natural environment — ensuring Del Mar remains a thriving sanctuary for people and wildlife alike, according to a news release.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Security guards posted at the sanctuary during worship services on Sunday escorted parishioners to the door and kept reporters at bay.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Construction of the sanctuary is expected to take 18 months and be finished by the end of 2027.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
Nooks offer shelter, sanctuary, and a feeling of escape without leaving your home—not to mention the opportunity to flex some palette power.
—Lacey Howard, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Security guards posted at the sanctuary during worship services on Sunday escorted parishioners to the door and kept reporters at bay.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Construction of the sanctuary is expected to take 18 months and be finished by the end of 2027.
—Victoria Le, Oc Register, 26 Apr. 2026
Nooks offer shelter, sanctuary, and a feeling of escape without leaving your home—not to mention the opportunity to flex some palette power.
—Lacey Howard, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctuary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctuary
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
-
He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161, and his shrine at Westminster Abbey became a major pilgrimage site in medieval England.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The definition of refuge is shelter, protection or safety from danger.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
According to court documents, facility staff identified the suspect as Felicia Anderson, 39, who is listed as a shelter resident.—
Alexa Ashwell,
Baltimore Sun,
1 May 2026
-
In 2024, a record 2,100 sea lions parked themselves at the dock, with the Pier 39 marina providing an ideal living situation because of the available food and shelter from predators.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider planning something restorative for the second half of the month, like a wellness retreat, a quiet escape, or simply a change of scenery that asks nothing of you.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
While the retreat center was not a primarily political place, its critics mostly ignored its political ambitions and successes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctuary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctuary. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
