1
as in emblems
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
the traditional physician's symbol of a staff entwined with a snake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in signs
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader
the symbol ¶ indicates where a new paragraph should begin symbols such as emoji that are used in texts
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 symbols
Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The two even teamed up as Depp branded two cases of wood to match the symbols on their new Three Hearts bottles.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
As centuries passed, symbols like eggs and bunnies were folded into modern celebrations, creating a blend of sacred and secular traditions – much like Christmas.
—Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
In keeping with carnival’s bold, boisterous atmosphere, these public figures are frequently accompanied by World War II-era symbols.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
The collection focuses on 10 historically significant objects from the Revolutionary period—ranging from everyday tools to powerful national symbols—which are each featured twice within the booklet.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Use strong, unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Bull and bear symbols for successful and bad trading are seen in front of the German stock exchange (Deutsche Boerse) in Frankfurt, Germany, February 12, 2019.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
Ancient Chinese rituals also celebrated the cultural significance of pickling, with fermented vegetables used in ancestor worship as symbols of continuity and filial piety.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
These statues are often more than a hundred years old and are symbols of great pride for their neighborhood parishes.
—Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The two even teamed up as Depp branded two cases of wood to match the symbols on their new Three Hearts bottles.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
As centuries passed, symbols like eggs and bunnies were folded into modern celebrations, creating a blend of sacred and secular traditions – much like Christmas.
—Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
In keeping with carnival’s bold, boisterous atmosphere, these public figures are frequently accompanied by World War II-era symbols.
—Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
The collection focuses on 10 historically significant objects from the Revolutionary period—ranging from everyday tools to powerful national symbols—which are each featured twice within the booklet.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
Use strong, unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Bull and bear symbols for successful and bad trading are seen in front of the German stock exchange (Deutsche Boerse) in Frankfurt, Germany, February 12, 2019.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Apr. 2026
Ancient Chinese rituals also celebrated the cultural significance of pickling, with fermented vegetables used in ancestor worship as symbols of continuity and filial piety.
—Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
-
Chaiwalas, or street tea venders, have long been taken as emblems of the small-scale entrepreneurialism by which uneducated Indians can gain subsistence, and, in theory, something more.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The two became emblems of a schism.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Serious Medical and Emotional Neglect Turner said Kaiko arrived in poor health, suffering from multiple medical issues and signs of prolonged neglect.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Oil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower Tuesday as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In fact, according to the real meaning behind Easter colors, the color white symbolizes purity, grace, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the culmination of the Easter season.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Reflecting that shift, Equal Pay Day — which symbolizes how many more days into the year women have to work for their earnings to catch up with men — was Thursday, falling a day later than in 2025.—
Alexandra Olson,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hotel Chelsea, which looms large on West 23rd Street in Manhattan and in the history of American arts and letters as its greatest unofficial artists’ colony.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
After playing the game, students participate in creative writing exercises, including letters, journal entries or even original songs, that speak to their experience.—
Jane Charlton,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The shift in the industrial building’s property value hints that the site might experience a rise in its assessed valuation.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
However in her statement below about the departures, creator Shonda Rhimes hints that the beloved doctors will get a happy ending.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Wade’s lawsuit also pointed to the defendants’ own previous legal actions to protect Swift’s trademarks.—
Joe Kottke,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Existing trademarks typically take precedence over new bids.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stoudemire joins a lineage of Jewish basketball icons in the Hall of Fame, including Sue Bird, who was inducted last year, Nancy Lieberman, Nat Holman, Barney Sedran, Max Friedman and Dolph Schayes — the only other Jewish player to have his number retired in the NBA.—
Jacob Gurvis,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Bringing fans together—alongside Barbie role models, designers, partners and global icons who embody the true spirit of Barbie—was at the heart of this event.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The letter represents the most the congressman has shared about his experience with COVID-19, a respiratory virus.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The new seven-year CBA, which begins this season and runs through 2032, represents a transformational landmark labor deal for the league.—
Doug Feinberg,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
