variants
also ikon
1
2
as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader
the player's remote control is very user-friendly as it doesn't use any icons that you haven't seen a million times before
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in avatar
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)
cites Marlene Dietrich as an icon of old-time Hollywood glamour
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
a sports bar filled with photos of icons from football, basketball, and baseball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in image
a two dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing
any icon of the Deity is regarded as blasphemous by adherents of that religion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of icon
The fitness icon and media personality bought the 1937 Neoclassical Revival Colonial–style home in the 1980s and maintained it as his primary residence until his July 2024 death at the age of 76.
—
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2025
Ex-assistants, stylists and artists for his label Bad Boy Records have come forward – some willingly and some not – and testified about a man whose status as a public icon allegedly enabled him to be a private monster.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The Royal Caribbean just announced that none other than Diana Ross—icon, mother, and music matriarch—will serve as the godmother of their newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, set to debut in August 2025.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 June 2025
The band is a mashup of Murray, a singer of wide-ranging musical interests, plus Canned Heat icon Jimmy Vivino (also Conan O’Brien’s musical director), and Blood Brothers, the fiery collaboration between Wilton Manors resident Castiglia and acclaimed blues guitarist Mike Zito.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for icon
Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 June 2025
Ex-assistants, stylists and artists for his label Bad Boy Records have come forward – some willingly and some not – and testified about a man whose status as a public icon allegedly enabled him to be a private monster.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 6 June 2025
The Royal Caribbean just announced that none other than Diana Ross—icon, mother, and music matriarch—will serve as the godmother of their newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, set to debut in August 2025.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 June 2025
The band is a mashup of Murray, a singer of wide-ranging musical interests, plus Canned Heat icon Jimmy Vivino (also Conan O’Brien’s musical director), and Blood Brothers, the fiery collaboration between Wilton Manors resident Castiglia and acclaimed blues guitarist Mike Zito.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for icon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icon
Noun
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Going from local church to being on tour in front of thousands of people overnight was a dream come true and, in the same season, writing with all my heroes.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
17 June 2025
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In Pixar’s Elio, the eponymous young hero (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) gets his wish of being abducted by aliens, and is promptly treated to all manner of otherworldly sights.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
17 June 2025
Noun
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The barrister's wig is worn in courts across the United Kingdom as a symbol of authority, with its use dating back to the 1600s.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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These 1o unforgettable moments remind us that caps and gowns are more than just tradition—they’re symbols of dreams fulfilled and generations changed.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
12 June 2025
Noun
-
Through it all, June has been our avatar and guide.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
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While many men and anonymous accounts using pseudonyms and faceless avatars celebrate with uncomfy GIFs and suggestive comments, many were less than impressed with Sweeney for catering to men, sparking discourse about the definition of feminism in the replies.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
The atmosphere spoke volumes, about the growing appetite for the game, the hunger of emerging stars, and the potential for the BAL to not only grow within the continent but also to become a destination of choice for talent around the world.—
Sindiswa Mabunda,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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And with the Pacers’ star player hindered by an injury early, the home crowd could sense the chance to pounce on a championship chance.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
17 June 2025
Noun
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Any federal agent using Clearview or an alternative can take the same footage and run facial images to find matches across photos scraped from social sites.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Still image taken from a video posted to social media on Saturday morning shows federal law enforcement officers in Paramount, California.—
Rhona Tarrant,
CBS News,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
My character is someone who’s been without his best friend and partner for three years.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
8 June 2025
-
But new life and civilizations await, including a villain that will test our characters' grit and resolve.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
8 June 2025
Noun
-
The sitcom veteran, having had a Warner Bros. deal for around 25 years, brushed aside Warner Bros. Discovery earlier in the day announcing plans to split into two companies after earlier incarnations as Time Warner and Discovery.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
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Wheel begins its 43rd season in September, while Jeopardy will be headed into its 42nd season in its current incarnation.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
3 June 2025
Noun
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Her post received an overwhelming amount of support from celebrities and fans alike, who applauded her for being so open.—
Stephanie Guerilus,
People.com,
8 June 2025
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The historic hotel, originally opened in 1911, has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Icon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icon. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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