1
as in emblem
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick
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2
as in flag
a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling
fittingly, the organization promoting the welfare of marine life features a dolphin on its ensign
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ensign
Worse still, scans show portions of Gamble’s brain have died, which sends the ensign into a panic.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
My dad was an ensign on the USS Pensacola for three years, three months and three days in the South Pacific.
—Jim Martin, Denver Post, 26 May 2025
Othello star Jake Gyllenhaal’s backstage home-away-from-home in Broadway’s Barrymore theater is an extension of the Shakespearean world he’s been steeped in while developing his version of Iago, the duplicitous ensign to the titular Venetian army general played by Denzel Washington.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2025
Usually the obscure one is Othello’s ensign, Iago.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ensign
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
My dad was an ensign on the USS Pensacola for three years, three months and three days in the South Pacific.
—Jim Martin, Denver Post, 26 May 2025
Othello star Jake Gyllenhaal’s backstage home-away-from-home in Broadway’s Barrymore theater is an extension of the Shakespearean world he’s been steeped in while developing his version of Iago, the duplicitous ensign to the titular Venetian army general played by Denzel Washington.
—Charlotte Collins, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2025
Usually the obscure one is Othello’s ensign, Iago.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ensign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensign
Noun
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This emblem of spring can be just as beautiful here in the US, with cherry blossom festivals and events celebrating the fleeting pink and white blooms all this month.—
Adele Chapin,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Apr. 2026
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The hood has an obsidian black finish and is topped off with a classic Mercedes Benz stand up chrome hood emblem.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Unlike Apollo, which focused on fast flags and footprints in a breakneck race against the Soviet Union, Artemis is striving for a sustainable moon base elaborate enough to satisfy even the most hard-core science fiction fans.—
Marcia Dunn,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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The Baltimore design reflects that identity, blending Maryland flag colors with deeper design elements meant to mirror the city’s personality.—
Michael Howes,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Guthrie wore a sunny yellow dress, reminiscent of the yellow flowers and ribbons placed by loved ones at her mother’s home — symbols of hope for a missing person.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
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For students, Sister Marguerite's presence goes far beyond a symbol.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In others, activists plastered flyers and banners on walls and public notice boards decrying the restrictions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Bird species that scientists hadn’t seen, heard or genetically detected in over a decade are showing up again — and 2025 was a banner year for these rediscoveries.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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These licenses give Fanatics/Topps the rights to use the intellectual property of the respective soccer federations — their names, logos, crests that appear on uniforms and uniform designs — on trading cards and stickers.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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The mailbox stand bears the logo of Pan Am, one of the airport employers Alonso had before retiring.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ensign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensign. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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