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
The vishaps’ consistent ties to water sources, their polished surfaces and their precise placement in harsh alpine zones point to a widespread belief system in which water itself was sacred and required such totems of appreciation.
—
New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
This time, everyone remains on the couch and passes around a doll named Eve as a permission-to-speak totem.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2025
But for a city break with all the totems of winter, Boston more than delivers.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
This time, everyone remains on the couch and passes around a doll named Eve as a permission-to-speak totem.
—Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2025
But for a city break with all the totems of winter, Boston more than delivers.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
-
During the 2014 Hong Kong Umbrella Movement, the yellow umbrella became a potent symbol of protest, representing protection from tear gas and a message of democracy and resistance.—
Jane M. Saks,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Nothing causes more pain in our community than seeing the image of Che Guevara worn as a hero’s symbol.—
Silvia Hernandez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The two became emblems of a schism.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Heidi is unlike Lauren, who strives for Teen Vogue internships in Paris and New York, and even less like Lauren’s intern rival, Emily Weiss, who would go on to found the billion-dollar beauty brand Glossier and become an emblem of girlboss feminism.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
As fans made their way toward Stage 14, they were greeted by a towering logo for the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special plastered onto the gate.—
Lyndsey Havens,
Billboard,
24 Mar. 2026
-
The logo of the artificial intelligence company xAI appears on the screen of a smartphone placed on a surface reflecting an abstract blue illustration.—
Lora Kolodny,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Adaptability and community have always been hallmarks of our company.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Strong communication has long been a hallmark of effective leadership.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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