as in tombstones
a shaped stone laid over or erected near a grave and usually bearing an inscription to identify and preserve the memory of the deceased
an engraved stone identified the grave as that of a man who had died in the Influenza Epidemic of 1918-19
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of stones
Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
The stones appear to be set in either an 18-karat white gold or a platinum band.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
These primitive implements are known as cobble-and-flake tools in which river stones, or cobbles, are flaked into usable tools, including pick-like objects.
—New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026
The museum made unwanted headlines in 2023 when it was brought to light that some 1,500 objects— including gold jewelry, semiprecious stones, and glass pieces dating as far back as the fifteenth century BCE—had vanished from its collection over a span of years.
—News Desk, Artforum, 6 Jan. 2026
In a video shared by the company, which makes engagement rings and wedding bands, Zoe's new rock appears to feature a giant oval diamond in the center flanked by two smaller stones.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Predominantly a trail runner, the routes mean terrain with stones and even snow.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
In some areas, the roads were paved, while away from civilization they were topped with a layer of small stones.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Protesters set fire to the municipal palace in Apatzingán late on Monday after a group of demonstrators threw stones at the building's windows, while riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters on Morelia, national media reported.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
Loose or missing stones suggest poor maintenance and potential safety or structural concerns, according to Cahill and Thorne.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
The stones appear to be set in either an 18-karat white gold or a platinum band.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
These primitive implements are known as cobble-and-flake tools in which river stones, or cobbles, are flaked into usable tools, including pick-like objects.
—New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026
The museum made unwanted headlines in 2023 when it was brought to light that some 1,500 objects— including gold jewelry, semiprecious stones, and glass pieces dating as far back as the fifteenth century BCE—had vanished from its collection over a span of years.
—News Desk, Artforum, 6 Jan. 2026
In a video shared by the company, which makes engagement rings and wedding bands, Zoe's new rock appears to feature a giant oval diamond in the center flanked by two smaller stones.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Predominantly a trail runner, the routes mean terrain with stones and even snow.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
In some areas, the roads were paved, while away from civilization they were topped with a layer of small stones.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Protesters set fire to the municipal palace in Apatzingán late on Monday after a group of demonstrators threw stones at the building's windows, while riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters on Morelia, national media reported.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stones
Noun
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Additional excavations could bring answers, Frame communicated, with the team hoping to find alters — tombstones frequently included the units soldiers belonged to.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Concrete beams standing in the dirt like tall tombstones.—
Daniel Estrin,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Dialing up that Corsa setting makes maximum engine boost available on demand, sharpens the throttle, firms the suspension, and throws active exhaust valves open at all times.—
Lawrence Ulrich,
Robb Report,
29 Oct. 2025
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During all holidays and at frequent Italian dinners in-between, the family keeps their edge — and sharpens Liv’s — in intense games of Nerts (a fast-paced, multiplayer card game), flag football, cornhole, washers, wiffleball and various other games.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For travelers interested in exploring more than just free-entry parks, the National Park Service maintains a database of other sites, monuments, and memorials that don’t require a fee.—
Opheli Garcia Lawler,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
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Its distinctive architecture is especially interesting; an unexpected juxtaposition of awe-inspiring Roman monuments and the charming skyline of a former imperial town.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Mark edges with fiberglass snow poles or driveway markers to guide safe clearing.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
8 Nov. 2025
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When undecided voters are allocated, Mamdani’s support rises to 51 percent, while Cuomo edges up to 26 percent.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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At bottom, that’s the thing that grinds my gears.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Oct. 2025
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The Luxe Café automatically grinds beans to the appropriate size and volume for your drink, and has a hands-free frothing system for creating hot and cold foam.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stones. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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