Definition of sanctumnext
1
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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2

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 Make your bedroom a sanctum by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Yazid had never before penetrated the sanctum beyond the living room. Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 The 17 suites of the new hotel are similarly minimalist sanctums made of polished concrete and dark wood, tucked away in a wilderness fantasia and connected to a main building where guests congregate around an infinity pool and elegant restaurant. David Amsden, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 What was once the sanctum of private thought had a microphone. Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sanctum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctum
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
  • The whole thing feels more like a seaside sanctuary for people who’ve outgrown the noise.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The results leave St Pauli in 16th and in the relative sanctuary of the play-off place, with Wolfsburg one point behind and Heidenheim still bottom, four points further back.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sanctum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctum. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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