1
as in emblem
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 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
-
What was once associated with rebellion or niche subcultures has now blossomed into a lifestyle emblem that’s stylish, health-conscious, and culturally significant.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
He is elevated, isolated, burdened, deified--positioned as an emblem.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
More than 2,000 navy and aircraft carrier construction personnel looked on from stands along the dock as Xi joined an honor guard in a flag ceremony for the commissioning, which took place Wednesday afternoon.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In fact, someone from the Ali Grace team checks in directly with each customer to confirm details and flag anything that doesn’t look quite right.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Safavi said symbols of the state have been targeted nationwide.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
More importantly, the Venezuelan people deserve the chance to rebuild their society without fear and without being reduced to symbols in someone else's geopolitical argument.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Participants filled the streets in the area — some holding candles or anti-ICE banners, others tying flowers to nearby street poles.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
8 Jan. 2026
-
To generate the report, Dunnhumby analyzed customer and financial data for the 81 largest supermarket, discount, superstore, club and online banners in the nation, including perceptions of retailers' value.—
Chad Murphy,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Oversized logos are giving way to cleaner, understated layers.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
And don’t be surprised by the resurfacing of sexy power suits, bold logos, and Matrix-esque cyberpunk chic—looks that dominated runways and red carpets in the late ‘90s, which was the last time Saturn was in the sign of the Ram.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ensign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensign. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share