variants
also ikon
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)
cites Marlene Dietrich as an icon of old-time Hollywood glamour
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in star
a person who is widely known and usually much talked about
a sports bar filled with photos of icons from football, basketball, and baseball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in image
a two dimensional design intended to look like a person or thing
any icon of the Deity is regarded as blasphemous by adherents of that religion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 women, who both carried the Princess of Wales title during their respective royal lives, are global style icons.
—
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon UBS.
—Carolin Roth,hugh Leask, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The Rams eventually released him, simply cutting him loose – a franchise icon cast out into the cold.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Overall, 13 of the Seahawks’ 22 starters began their careers in Seattle (the below graphic include team icons for the players’ first NFL team).
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for icon
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Stock Chart IconStock chart icon UBS.
—Carolin Roth,hugh Leask, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
The Rams eventually released him, simply cutting him loose – a franchise icon cast out into the cold.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Overall, 13 of the Seahawks’ 22 starters began their careers in Seattle (the below graphic include team icons for the players’ first NFL team).
—Dianna Russini, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for icon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icon
Noun
-
Indie Sparks writes strong heroines whose knees go weak for cinnamon roll heroes with dirty mouths and the skills to walk the talk.—
Meg Miller,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The greatest superhero movie ever made (give or take The Incredibles, which came out the same year) does not kick off with our hero beating a costumed villain in an epic fight scene.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Whatever explanation is ultimately offered, the image of a mother killed during an enforcement action has become a defining symbol of this moment.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Nesrin Abdullah said that there was no electricity or running water in the town, which a decade ago became the symbol of resistance against IS.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Eventually there will be a physical manifestation of the Hall, a building somewhere with plaques and memorabilia and exhibits honoring the rich history of sports in Southern California, but that will be at the back end.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Antetokounmpo is the manifestation of the second timeline the Warriors have chased for years.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Most of the galaxies in the Universe are small and faint; most of the stars in the Universe emit primarily red or even infrared light; most of the galaxies in the Universe are rich in dust; most of the Universe that’s observable to us are located at significant cosmic distances.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Feb. 2026
-
As reported by The Independent, social media users and Charli xcx fans were quick to defend the pop star against Bateman’s comments.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That hole eventually became the defining image of Hanceville’s decline.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Television footage and social media images showed police and residents transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
It's been a while since you were eliminated on Game Changers for being the only person without an idol or an advantage.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Feb. 2026
-
From July, Jacquet will be competing for a place alongside his idol Van Dijk.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
From those images, the app creates a digital avatar of the athlete and simulates how different postures affect airflow and drag, variables critical to speedskating success.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
4 Feb. 2026
-
German defence tech Helsing also picked up 600 million euros in 2025, and UK AI avatar startup Synthesia raised $200 million in January.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Saint Ann’s, an elite private school that charges roughly $60,000 a year in tuition and is known for high Ivy League acceptance rates and attendees that include celebrities, artists and Wall Street executives, has been surrounded by scandal for nearly two years.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Icon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icon. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
