sanctuary vs refuge

sanctuary and refuge both are nouns.

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

As nouns, sanctuary and refuge are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of sanctuary include asylum.

sanctuary (noun)	refuge (noun)
area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing	act of turning to for assistance
a shelter from danger or hardship	a shelter from danger or hardship
a consecrated place where sacred objects are kept	something or someone turned to for assistance or security
	a safe place