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
• classic
• model
• god
• paragon
• ideal
• exemplar
• 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
• character
• sign
• glyph
• letter
• numeral
• cipher
• hieroglyph
• pictogram
• rune
• pictograph
• ideogram

3

as in avatar

a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)

cites Marlene Dietrich as an icon of old-time Hollywood glamour

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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
• hero
• name
• superstar
• light
• somebody
• personage
• luminary
• celeb
• notable
• cause célèbre
• megastar
• notoriety
• dignitary
• figure
• VIP
• standout
• notability
• cause celebre
• idol
• favorite
• heartthrob
• monument
• pillar
• worthy
• eminence
• mogul
• demigod
• immortal
• magnate
• 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
• depiction
• representation
• illustration
• portrait
• likeness
• picture
• resemblance
• caricature
• view
• drawing
• silhouette
• sketch
• photograph
• delineation
• cartoon
• diagram
• watercolor
• etching
• collage
• montage
• doodle
• finger painting
• daub
• hieroglyph
• pictograph
• ideograph
• ideogram
• hieroglyphic

Examples of icon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The profile also runs down the other A-list rock icons who were discussed as potential frontmen for the band that has had three lead singers over the years. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2024

The rapper also reacted after the pop icon opted not to tease her performance look at all — instead offering a humble answer. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

The pop icon will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at this weekend’s ceremony in Cleveland. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024

Ellie transcends New York basketball Since she was introduced, Ellie has transcended from a beloved local sports mascot into a cultural icon — thanks to the Liberty’s social media savvy. —Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 5 Oct. 2024