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

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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

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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 icon The multi-day events will culminate on Saturday evening with a lively closing party in a former medieval shipyard where music icons Lady Gaga and Elton John are expected to perform. Jay Stahl, USA Today, 29 June 2025 Over the last decade, Lively's star power has grown with roles in A Simple Favor (2018) and its 2025 sequel, as well as with her close association with pop icon Taylor Swift. EW.com, 28 June 2025 The Waldorf Astoria is embedded in the city’s history, an icon of the Gilded Age and a luxury setting for New York society throughout the years. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 Its dozen soundstages are all named after African American entertainment icons, from Sidney Poitier and Cicely Tyson to Spike Lee and Diahann Carroll. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for icon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for icon
Noun
  • Definitely Maybe’s sleeve featured a prominent picture of City legend Rodney Marsh, and perhaps more surprisingly, a smaller picture of United hero George Best.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 29 June 2025
  • Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell called Deng a hero during a morning news conference following his death.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Melons are a cultural symbol, and a pair of Yukari Kings once famously sold for $45,000 at auction.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2025
  • Left-hander Tyler Anderson has been the symbol of the troubles.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • If deepfakes and avatars become our norm, the rare moments of real presence will stand out.
    Patricio Larrea, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Coupled with a story line about digital avatars who seek to replace the humans in whose images they were shaped, the movie possesses an aching sense of oblivion.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps the star of the show truck is Iveco’s xCursor 13 engine which produces 500 hp and 2200Nm of torque.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Held under the stars at an outdoor closing ceremony in Riccione, Italy, the awards brought together shows and stars from around the world following a week of screenings and talks.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Flagship boutiques from Milan and Paris lined the promenades, conjuring images of home.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The 25 kilos of drugs were wrapped in packaging featuring the iconic gun-brandishing cartoon character, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said in a social media post, which included images of the cocaine.
    July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In pockets of Chile and Argentina, a new generation of entrepreneurs is building brands with character.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Season two will feature a number of fan-favorite characters reprising their roles, including Mason Alexander Park as Desire, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Vivienne Acheampong as Lucienne, and Patton Oswalt as the voice of Matthew the Raven.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Candidates are subject to a series of tests, including identifying objects that belonged to the previous incarnation.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
  • Mixed in with this bold art and design are art deco vestiges of the building’s former incarnation as the Saxony Hotel in the 1950s and ’60s, when Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elvis frequented the hot spot.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • As dutiful beauty editors, our eyes couldn’t help but instantly wander to her manicure, a lilac-milk look created by celebrity nail artist Jenny Longworth, who, aside from working with Rihanna, is also responsible for some of Harry Styles’s nail looks.
    Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • And while Mario’s had the luxury of living the celebrity life, worshipped as a hero in the Mushroom Kingdom on top of rocking a medical license, DK is just trying to get by.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Icon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/icon. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

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