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
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Recent Examples of totem
Even in Los Angeles, where Teslas are as familiar as Fords and not primarily viewed as right-wing totems, this wasn’t the first time I’d been shouted at since the election.
—
Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Often seen as the captivating totems of the festival season, the Indians, also known as the Black Masking Indians, have origins founded in traditions that symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City.
—Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Often seen as the captivating totems of the festival season, the Indians, also known as the Black Masking Indians, have origins founded in traditions that symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City.
—Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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John Brink, a Rand McNally cartographer, came up with a solution: Creating symbols for highways that were printed on the road maps and also put on signs attached to electrical and telephone poles along those roads.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
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In one respect, at least—as a symbol for present-day America—the vehicle really could not be improved.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The black sole sports and bold gold emblem from Prada. Related Stories Cannes has become known internationally for its fashion as much as its films.—
Mikelle Street,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
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Others were seen wearing keffiyeh scarfs, which have become an emblem of Palestinian solidarity.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
21 May 2025
Noun
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When Robinson dived the site again earlier this year, a second plate branded with the logo was found.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
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However, exposure to steam can cause logos and other design elements to melt or peel.—
Jolie Kerr,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Johnson’s affinity for trick plays became a hallmark of the Lions offense.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2025
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For a brand rooted in legacy, innovation, and trust, generations of travelers worldwide can attest that durability is as much of a Samsonite hallmark as style is.—
Bobby Krivitsky,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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One of the figures features Wednesday wearing her trademark black-and-white polka-dot dress with the disembodied hand, Thing, on her shoulder, while the other figure is of Wednesday wearing her Nevermore Academy uniform.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Apparently, trademark infringement wasn’t the issue; the problem was powdered milk and whey—ingredients in El Mordjene, alongside sugar, hazelnuts, vegetable fat, and emulsifiers.—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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