symbols 1 of 2

plural of symbol
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

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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

symbols

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of symbol

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
Noun
While the Founding Fathers are often at the center of Revolutionary War history, one of the country’s most recognizable symbols is traditionally associated with an ordinary woman working from her home in Philadelphia. Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026 Both exist in spite of the odds, symbols of perseverance and community — memorials to those who fought to establish a new country and a new state, and who happened to do it in a place that proved particularly untamable. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 There is the portrait of a president or founding father, a denomination, and symbols of national trust. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Ahead of Independence Day, the two figureheads of America’s political parties offered competing visions for the nation’s future, each before symbols of the country’s past. Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2026 Set aside for the day other competing symbols, pause life’s other priorities for a moment, and unfurl the Stars and Stripes, the emblem of our nation’s unity, and reflect on the birth of the United States. Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 3 July 2026 As the United States celebrates its 250th, flags and symbols of Old Glory can be spotted everywhere. Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 The American flag and other patriotic symbols have become heavily politicized. Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Such is the daily treatment of Rwanda ’s royal cows that have become living symbols of the nation’s cultural heritage. ABC News, 27 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
  • The British brand’s suiting channeled dapper English luxury with dedicated cigar pockets on outerwear, along with mismatched velvet slippers adorned with playing card emblems.
    Scarlett Conlon, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • However, Manfred said the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep using Pride emblems on uniforms and hats under a grandfathered exception because Los Angeles and San Francisco are home to large LGBTQ communities and both clubs wanted to show support for those fans.
    Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Photos of wallets, textiles, sports equipment, photos, jewelry, signs, flags, quilts, stuffies, toys and camp trunks filled the page as strangers banded together in the comments sections, tagging potential rightful owners or friends with any leads.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • What are the signs that game fatigue may be something more serious?
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The blue stopper symbolizes the sky and the shape of the bottle evokes the Taj Mahal, which Jahan commissioned to moth memorialize his wife (who died in childbirth) and serve as her final resting place.
    Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • Throughout the space, the aesthetic relies on natural elements, with plenty of wood and natural stone accents (the 40-ton metal tree statue just outside the hotel symbolizes the integration of nature and city life).
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Her global merchandising operation is controlled by TAS Rights Management, which owns her trademarks across goods and services, and Bravado, which manufactures products under the artist’s brand.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
  • Diego Della Valle, the Tod's Group chairman, bought the Schiaparelli trademarks in 2007.
    Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Valentine and Suarez did not respond to letters mailed to addresses that appeared to be associated with them.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The invasion of Canada As 1775 wore on, force came to join careful letters.
    Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • There’s, of course, also hints of early-aughts influence sprinkled in, with low-rise versions of this pant becoming more popular by the day.
    Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 20 June 2026
  • This hints that placing an order and being served with no human interaction may become as ordinary as having a robot complete your household chores.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 15 June 2026
Noun
  • The hallmarks of cobalt poisoning fit the woman’s array of symptoms neatly.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • The exterior of the Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi has the hallmarks of Gehry’s style.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • As a nod to the building’s legacy, where Hollywood’s earliest icons broke away from major studios to control their own work, AJU Continuum has launched its own in-house booking team for the live entertainment venue.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The diverse lineup also includes pre-war masterpieces such as a 1939 Horch 855 and 1936 Mercedes-Benz 540 K, alongside racing icons like a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C and a 1955 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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