sanctuary vs asylum

sanctuary and asylum both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
sanctuary	Yes	No	No	No
asylum	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, sanctuary and asylum are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of sanctuary include refuge.

sanctuary (noun)	asylum (noun)
area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing	a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person
a shelter from danger or hardship	a shelter from danger or hardship
a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept