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

Aside from this feature, iOS 27 also includes a way to adjust the opacity of Liquid Glass, new icon designs, extra-large widgets, and new volume settings for ringtones, alarms, timers, and alerts. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 9 Sep. 2026

Raniya, Raniah, Ranya, Raniya Alexandra Queen Alexandra of Denmark is still celebrated for her royal style icon status among the British public. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 9 Sep. 2026

Her godmother Dolly Parton died after a brief battle with cancer in August, and Cyrus posted an emotional tribute to the icon the next day. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Following her death, fans around the world as well as celebrities and politicians mourned the country music legend and praised her as an icon whose legacy will never be forgotten. — Gayle King, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026