Synonyms of icons

icons

noun

variants also ikons

plural of icon

1

as in heroes

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

• heroes
• idols
• gods
• models
• classics
• ideals
• paragons
• nonpareils
• exemplars
• beau ideals

2

as in symbols

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

• symbols
• signs
• glyphs
• letters
• characters
• numerals
• pictographs
• ciphers
• hieroglyphs
• pictograms
• runes
• ideograms

3

as in manifestations

a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manifestations
• images
• avatars
• incarnations
• abstracts
• essences
• personifications
• models
• objectifications
• incorporations
• instantiations
• externalizations
• embodiments
• geniuses
• personifiers
• epitomes
• embodiers
• personalizations
• realizations
• paradigms
• souls
• actualizations
• exemplifications
• reincarnations
• archetypes
• concretizations
• substantiations
• patterns
• exemplars
• quintessences

4

as in celebrities

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

• celebrities
• stars
• personalities
• figures
• heroes
• superstars
• dignitaries
• notables
• names
• celebs
• luminaries
• personages
• VIPs
• lights
• notabilities
• standouts
• idols
• favorites
• megastars
• somebodies
• causes célèbres
• notorieties
• monuments
• pillars
• immortals
• worthies
• eminences
• magnates
• heartthrobs
• demigods
• bigwigs
• moguls
• big shots
• barons
• nabobs
• kahunas
• panjandrums

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• nobodies
• mediocrities
• lightweights
• noncelebrities
• has-beens

5

as in pictures

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

• pictures
• illustrations
• portraits
• depictions
• images
• representations
• likenesses
• drawings
• photographs
• resemblances
• views
• silhouettes
• watercolors
• caricatures
• sketches
• etchings
• diagrams
• delineations
• collages
• cartoons
• hieroglyphics
• hieroglyphs
• doodles
• pictographs
• daubs
• montages
• finger paintings
• ideograms
• ideographs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of icons

Alexi’s interrogator just happens to be one of his former students, Vladimir (Franco), who initially seems to enjoy talking about Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and other icons of Russian literature with his former mentor. — Joe Leydon, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026

Call it a reverse Pepé Le Pew, flattening Anglo-American icons to give some space not only to de Gaulle but to his internal antagonists and allies and to the French people themselves. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Nov. 2026

Burch also continues to update her icons, like the viral Pierced Mule. — Jennie Bell, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026

Following his perfumey instrumentals, the songwriter began collaborating with journeyman Norwegian vocalist Jørn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil, who has worked with pop icons Robbie Williams and James Blunt. — Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

What ensues is an adventure up to the Tobsy Towers rooftop laundry where the Yarbers put those early literacy skills to the test and follow the icons and instructions on the jacket label. — Hannah Nwoko Published, Parents, 11 Nov. 2026

Consider this my attempt at building the ultimate jewelry-box capsule, anchored by six Chanel fine jewelry and watch icons. — Libby Page, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2026

Henry Jaglom, who died last year at the age of 87, was one of the true icons of American independent film. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

His bandmates also got in on the New York theme, dressing as city landmarks and icons, including the Statue of Liberty, Andy Warhol and Anna Wintour. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 1 Nov. 2026