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
This specific ability to construct and manipulate symbols reflects the cognitive plasticity that enabled Homo sapiens to adapt and thrive, as per IFLScience. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026 Wood drums are often carved with Aztec symbols such as the sun or animals like owls, eagles and ocelots. John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 1 Mar. 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
  • Many waved pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flags bearing the lion-and-sun emblem.
    Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
  • But in all of these directors’ productions the presence of nonprofessionals is both a pursuit of progress in cinematic form and an emblem of that effort.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some doctors worry that this could be a sign that HHS plans to dismantle the longtime group altogether, similar to how other federal advisory groups have been restructured.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Years later, their affection toward one another showed no signs of cooling off.
    Adam Robb, Curbed, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Across cultures and eras, the Moon has symbolized constancy, the comforting cycle of tides, months, fertility, and agriculture.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026
  • That jail, notoriously violent and corrupt, had symbolized the good-ol’-boy era of Nashville law enforcement, and the Downtown Detention Center was replacing it both physically and symbolically.
    James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The machines engrave writing and logos; the staff carves bigger shapes with chainsaws, chisels, and other handheld tools.
    Blair Braverman, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Molina wanted to rebrand Sidecca with a new logo, bags and art, and connected with Bolding about that and a possible mural inside the store.
    Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Often credited with the invention of the stiletto heel in the 1950s, Vivier brought a unique artistic flair to shoe design, influencing fashion icons and major luxury houses alike.
    Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
  • This year, the hotel will celebrate 150 years as an icon of Southern hospitality, hosting presidents, dignitaries, and everyday folks.
    Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Port of San Diego and the City of Imperial Beach held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of a project that port officials say represents a $3 million joint investment in the beachfront community.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The 1992 campaign that represented the emerging preeminence of the Baby Boom generation was the same one dogged by rumors of an affair with Gennifer Flowers.
    STEVEN SLOAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Khamanei’s rule was marked by mismanagement, and ultimately ended with one of the more brutal episodes of his trademark repression – the violence his regime meted out to keep power.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
  • About 22-inches shorter than her trademark tresses, hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos gave Moore a chin-length bob with a wet finish for an even more dramatic effect.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Over the course of a year, Juri had made strides in recognizing letters, sounds and sight words.
    MAKIYA SEMINERA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 1 Mar. 2026
  • That is if the letter writer doesn’t mind allowing them in her backyard for a few weeks while others find more reasonable ways to address this problem.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbol.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbol. Accessed 4 Mar. 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!

More from Merriam-Webster