Definition of symbolnext
1
as in emblem
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark the traditional physician's symbol of a staff entwined with a snake

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in sign
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader the symbol ¶ indicates where a new paragraph should begin symbols such as emoji that are used in texts

Synonyms & Similar Words

symbol

2 of 2

verb

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 symbol
Noun
America’s sense of security was smashed with apocalyptic fury Tuesday when the most destructive and meticulously planned terror attack in history shattered two of the country’s most potent symbols. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 All buildings hold some symbolism; to the 9/11 terrorists, the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers were a symbol of America more powerful than most Americans would have recognized at the time. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
The laser eyes symbol that Saylor incorporated into his profile picture started in online Bitcoin communities but has spread to the mainstream. Fortune, 13 June 2022 Press and hold the app icon, tap App Info (the i symbol), and tap Permissions. Julian Chokkattu, Wired, 8 Sep. 2020 See All Example Sentences for symbol
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbol
Noun
  • Later, when offices overtook factories as the emblem of work, efficiency became more abstract.
    Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Begin at the Fountain of Neptune, whose trident inspired the emblem Mario Maserati designed for the company, first used in 1926.
    Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Venus in your daily-life zone connects awkwardly with Uranus in your sign, increasing your appetite for novelty, movement, or a different way of doing things.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Moon in your sign trines Chiron in your creative 5th house, encouraging you to show a side of yourself that isn’t polished for approval.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The ring symbolized Rivera’s romance with her fiancé, Alfred Gonzalez.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Built in the final years of United National Movement (UNM) rule (2004–2012), their ultracontemporary design symbolized the pro-Western approach of the UNM’s leader, Mikhail Saakashvili.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • As promulgated last month, ballots must use envelopes with an election-mail logo that can to be scanned using high-speed processing equipment and contain a barcode unique to each voter.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The Georgia Bulldog logo has showed up for years on hats, shirts and pennants, but the state Board of Regents has decided that the appearance of the familiar canine on toilet seats and obscene posters is going too far.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon The hike brought the policy rate to its highest level since 1995, and came just three months after its previous increase.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Though she is known as a country music icon, Dolly Parton was a central presence at the 2026 Americana Awards and Honors Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On Tuesday, Zuckerberg echoed Huang's stance in a post on X, asserting that an industry-wide emergency brake is unnecessary and that third-party evaluations represent the optimal path forward.
    , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Before being elected for the first of his four terms in the House in 1987, Kyl was a key participant in shaping Arizona's 1980 groundwater code as a lawyer representing a large water utility.
    JACQUES BILLEAUD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • On Wednesday, the state board authorized its staff to file trademark registration and licensing papers with the federal government on symbols from all of Georgia’s 33 public colleges.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This is possible because music industry veteran Phil Sandhaus, who worked with David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, and Frank Sinatra Enterprises throughout the course of his long career, now owns the CBGB trademark.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Haitians in Springfield were among the first to receive ICE check-in letters after TPS ended and many were fitted with ankle monitors, the Miami Herald reported.
    Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Critics of Prop 40 have also warned California’s levy is unlikely to be a one-time deal, and the letter sees a similar levy on billionaires elsewhere.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Symbol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbol. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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