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 Emerging from a need for an artistic outlet during a time of loss, the totems became symbolic talismans of her own transformation. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024 An emblem of hope becomes a totem of governmental mistrust. Alexis Coe, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025 Despite being afraid of heights, Stern recently completed eight-foot totems depicting the lives of a man and a woman. Remy Tumin, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 His uncle, another mentor and artist, was a totem carver, canoe maker and jeweler. Greg Allen, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
  • The company said the dress code change will maintain the green apron's status as the symbol for Starbucks since they were introduced in 1987.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The backlash prompted national Democrats to make Musk a centerpiece of their messaging, casting him as a symbol of Trump-era government overreach.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Rescue workers, at least two of whom can be seen wearing uniforms, are seen exiting a fire truck and an ambulance marked with the emblem of the Red Crescent and approaching the ambulance derailed to the side.
    Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Each movement is engraved with an emblem representing Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This technology enables robots to identify recyclable materials by recognizing patterns in colors, textures, shapes and logos, spotting a stray plastic bottle in a sea of trash faster than any human.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Global Payments Company logo seen displayed on a smartphone.
    MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The campaign is predictably Trumpian, built on a flagrantly pretextual basis and executed with the sort of vicious but chaotic idiocy that has always been a hallmark of the authoritarian mind.
    Ars Staff, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The parade is still alive and well today and is one of the hallmarks of Fiesta.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The eighty-one-year-old Crumb, dressed in a long dark coat and his trademark fedora and Coke-bottle glasses, looked over his drawings as if trying to place old acquaintances at a party.
    Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Warhorse bandmates drummer Tre Cool and bassist Mike Dirnt assaulted their instruments with their trademark goofiness and aggression, with three other touring members helping fill the massive venue with a legion of guitars and keys.
    Jeff Miller, HollywoodReporter, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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