Definition of symbolnext
1
as in emblem
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark the traditional physician's symbol of a staff entwined with a snake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in sign
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the symbol ¶ indicates where a new paragraph should begin symbols such as emoji that are used in texts

Synonyms & Similar Words

symbol

2 of 2

verb

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 symbol
Noun
America’s sense of security was smashed with apocalyptic fury Tuesday when the most destructive and meticulously planned terror attack in history shattered two of the country’s most potent symbols. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 All buildings hold some symbolism; to the 9/11 terrorists, the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers were a symbol of America more powerful than most Americans would have recognized at the time. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
The laser eyes symbol that Saylor incorporated into his profile picture started in online Bitcoin communities but has spread to the mainstream. Fortune, 13 June 2022 Press and hold the app icon, tap App Info (the i symbol), and tap Permissions. Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 8 Sep. 2020 See All Example Sentences for symbol
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbol
Noun
  • Later, when offices overtook factories as the emblem of work, efficiency became more abstract.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Begin at the Fountain of Neptune, whose trident inspired the emblem Mario Maserati designed for the company, first used in 1926.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The enhanced scrutiny on Underwood, as Joe Rexrode writes, is an unfortunate sign of the times.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Bruins face a long and challenging season, but the Chesney Train won Game 1 and shows no signs of slowing down.
    Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The ring symbolized Rivera’s romance with her fiancé, Alfred Gonzalez.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Built in the final years of United National Movement (UNM) rule (2004–2012), their ultracontemporary design symbolized the pro-Western approach of the UNM’s leader, Mikhail Saakashvili.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Carlos gets the signature Luar treatment, with his custom design featuring a logo tank, distressed denim jeans, Adrian Oxford loafers and a Cam messenger bag.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The new agreement will see SumUp’s logo on United’s kit for their return to the Champions League against Sabah on Thursday.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Louis Garrel has become a French icon of the screen at only 43, known for his brooding good looks but also his fantastic range in often-dangerous movies.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • During a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the 56-year-old actor and comedian weighed in on whether modern celebrities would be willing to make the same wartime sacrifice as the late movie icon.
    Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As rehearsals move forward, Eisenberg repeats key scenes in the play and shoots them differently each time, his camera coming to represent Mona’s shifting perspective.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
  • For countries expanding nuclear power, that could represent a potentially enormous additional source of nuclear fuel.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Johnson has recently taken her brunette hair a few shades darker for fall, the richer color worn loose around her shoulders with her trademark brow-skimming bangs.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Its exterior trim, including the car’s trademark rear fan, is finished in satin carbon.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The letter’s authors fear that AI companies could short-circuit that process.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
  • Whenever letter writer shares a baby photo on the family group chat, sister adds a competing one that draws conversation her way.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Symbol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbol. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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