variants also ikon
1
as in hero
a person who is the object of extreme or uncritical devotion Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and other icons of pop culture

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2
as in symbol
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the player's remote control is very user-friendly as it doesn't use any icons that you haven't seen a million times before

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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 icon The multi-day events will culminate on Saturday evening with a lively closing party in a former medieval shipyard where music icons Lady Gaga and Elton John are expected to perform. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 29 June 2025 Over the last decade, Lively's star power has grown with roles in A Simple Favor (2018) and its 2025 sequel, as well as with her close association with pop icon Taylor Swift. EW.com, 28 June 2025 The Waldorf Astoria is embedded in the city’s history, an icon of the Gilded Age and a luxury setting for New York society throughout the years. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 Its dozen soundstages are all named after African American entertainment icons, from Sidney Poitier and Cicely Tyson to Spike Lee and Diahann Carroll. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for icon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icon
Noun
  • Definitely Maybe’s sleeve featured a prominent picture of City legend Rodney Marsh, and perhaps more surprisingly, a smaller picture of United hero George Best.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell called Deng a hero during a morning news conference following his death.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • This was not just a strike on a symbol of repression.
    Siamak Namazi, Time, 25 June 2025
  • The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make the fandom a symbol of hope and unity.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Creators contributing to the platform decide which level their avatar will be.
    Olivia Kemp, CNN Money, 21 June 2025
  • The digital avatars can also stream nonstop without needing breaks.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps the star of the show truck is Iveco’s xCursor 13 engine which produces 500 hp and 2200Nm of torque.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Held under the stars at an outdoor closing ceremony in Riccione, Italy, the awards brought together shows and stars from around the world following a week of screenings and talks.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The images show trucks at two key sites — Isfahan and Fordo.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 22 June 2025
  • Satellite image ©2025 Maxar Technologies Maxar satellite imagery of Fordo fuel enrichment facility.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • In pockets of Chile and Argentina, a new generation of entrepreneurs is building brands with character.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Season two will feature a number of fan-favorite characters reprising their roles, including Mason Alexander Park as Desire, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, and Patton Oswalt as the voice of Matthew the Raven.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Inside his body, the role would be no spoof at all but the purest of incarnations.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • This incarnation of the character (played by María Gabriela de Faría) isn't quite like that, instead using nanotechnology to alter herself.
    EW.com, EW.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The studio is banking on the rapidly growing global anime fandom, particularly in the U.S., where enthusiasm spans general audiences, Hollywood creators, celebrities and businesses.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 July 2025
  • In Venice, Bezos and celebrity friends were insulated from local resentment by their wealth and security.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Icon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icon. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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