Synonyms of icon

icon

noun

ˈī-ˌkän 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hero
• idol
• god
• model
• classic
• paragon
• exemplar
• ideal
• nonpareil
• beau ideal

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

• symbol
• sign
• glyph
• letter
• character
• numeral
• cipher
• hieroglyph
• pictogram
• rune
• pictograph
• ideogram

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

• manifestation
• image
• avatar
• incarnation
• personification
• essence
• model
• abstract
• genius
• incorporation
• instantiation
• embodiment
• objectification
• externalization
• epitome
• personifier
• personalization
• realization
• embodier
• soul
• paradigm
• actualization
• reincarnation
• exemplification
• substantiation
• archetype
• concretization
• pattern
• quintessence
• exemplar

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

• star
• celebrity
• personality
• name
• hero
• superstar
• dignitary
• celeb
• personage
• luminary
• somebody
• notable
• light
• cause célèbre
• megastar
• figure
• VIP
• standout
• notoriety
• notability
• idol
• favorite
• heartthrob
• pillar
• monument
• worthy
• eminence
• magnate
• immortal
• mogul
• demigod
• baron
• bigwig
• nabob
• kahuna
• panjandrum
• big shot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nobody
• has-been
• lightweight
• mediocrity
• noncelebrity

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

• image
• portrait
• illustration
• depiction
• picture
• likeness
• representation
• view
• drawing
• resemblance
• photograph
• watercolor
• silhouette
• caricature
• sketch
• collage
• cartoon
• delineation
• diagram
• etching
• montage
• doodle
• finger painting
• daub
• hieroglyph
• pictograph
• ideograph
• ideogram
• hieroglyphic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of icon

Mac and Cheese Bites An absolute icon in the Trader Joe’s frozen aisle. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

The night also will feature a tribute to Dolly Parton, honoring the country music icon. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

The movie chronicles the famed photographer’s life and 60-year career shooting not just icons of the fashion and film worlds but also mental institutions, the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. — Siran Babayan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

And, in other news of icons, the second installment of Cher’s memoirs is coming out on the 17th. — Victoria Uren, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026