symbol 1 of 2

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

Relevance
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
But the underlying concept of the meme arguably predates Dawkins — humans have long used symbols to pass along ideas, as The New York Times noted in 2022. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026 The graduate student forward jostled Coach Cori Close before placing her hands together in a prayer symbol. Benjamin Royer, Daily News, 22 Jan. 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
  • The image, known as the rebel loon, blends the outline of a loon with the familiar rebellion emblem.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • There were also dozens of vehicles that were marked with ICE emblems by a local company seen in a Northland parking lot.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But absent any concerning signs that the labor market is falling a cliff, the Fed will also likely turn to inflation data for the cue on when to lower rates again.
    Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Neither was there an army ready to defend Rapa Nui—crowds wielding spears and clubs were not uncommon in the Pacific—or any sign of violence.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • They were deemed thugs and animals, and were said to symbolize all that was wrong with America’s cities as well as with the liberals who had enabled the city’s poor, lazy, and criminal elements.
    Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Their clothes are smeared with mud, symbolizing the earthy, devotional spirit of the journey.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Tencent logo is displayed on the exterior of a building at the company’s headquarters, with a surveillance camera visible in the foreground, on November 30, 2024, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
    Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The design features each Grand Slam logo framed within a tennis ball emblem, rendered in the tournament's signature colours, spanning the height of the plane.
    Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The other is Venice Simplon–Orient-Express, the enduring icon operated by Belmond.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • No icons nestled between burning candles.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That’s it; those options represent the full suite of possibilities that are consistent with dark matter.
    Big Think, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • That’s about in-line with the Street estimate of 37% but represents another down tick from 38% in the reported quarter.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But his free-wheeling special address to the forum, which lasted for more than an hour, included the kind of attacks that have become a trademark of his presidency.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The lawsuit concerns Pattie Gonia’s alleged use of the company trademarks.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Attorney Pollan read a letter from Bob Atrops' current wife who has been married to him since 2011.
    Sarah Prior, CBS News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • One of those letters was sent to the home of Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fired the fatal shots January 7 in Minneapolis.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbol. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on symbol

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!