as in symbol
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark the bald eagle, that universally recognized totem of our country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 totem But far from being just another totem for Scandi style, the Tripp Trapp is a true icon of versatility. Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, those totems of Democratic impotence, entered together and acted as if they’d been instructed never to shoot each other so much as a passing glance. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025 The dunes eventually kneeled to the Atlantic, stretching out as a broad, empty beach pierced with totems of petrified tree trunks. Michael Snyder, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that, in America, the shell is thought to be a totem used to resist enslavement. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
  • Manufacturing has become a unifying force, a symbol of patriotism, pride, and the promise of a better, more prosperous future.
    Ethan Karp, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The staffing crisis at Yosemite drew public attention on Saturday when an upside-down American flag – a symbol of distress – was unfurled at the park’s Horsetail Fall.
    Rafael Romo, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • An emblem at the front entrance as well as prominent lettering in the building's lobby were no longer visible on Wednesday evening.
    Douglas Gillison and Chris Prentice, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • That’s why horror movies often have these inanimate emblems that are so terrifying.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The logo of the Booking Holdings is seen on a screen of a smartphone next to a screen with an illustration ofthe stock market.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
  • With Converse, Gilgeous-Alexander created his own logo and drew the initial designs for what became the Shai 001, his first signature shoe.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Overwhelming Sadness All-consuming, uncontrollable sadness is a hallmark of depression.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This meticulous attention to detail has been a hallmark of J. Thelander's success.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • This seemingly frustrated Mullenweg, who accused WPE of abusing the WordPress trademark to charge customers for access to WordPress' free tools.
    Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Slavin and Faber did a tremendous job eliminating Canada’s chances all night, including earlier in overtime when Faber twice used his trademark great gap and stick to knock pucks from McDavid upon entries.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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