symbols 1 of 2

Definition of symbolsnext
plural of symbol
1
as in emblems
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 signs
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

symbols

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of symbol

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 symbols
Noun
Plays cost from 50 cents to $30, with a goal of matching symbols on the wheel. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026 Bull and bear symbols for successful and bad trading are seen in front of the German stock exchange (Deutsche Boerse) in Frankfurt, Germany, February 12, 2019. Hugh Leask,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026 The brand’s bestsellers are pieces featuring auspicious symbols, including a soaring dragon atop a sacred leaf, imperial lanterns, and the gourd, a potent symbol of good fortune. Denni Hu, Footwear News, 12 Feb. 2026 Throughout the month of February, variations of these colors appear at Black History Month events and celebrations, serving as symbols of Black unity and pride. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Feb. 2026 That begins with limiting visibility, then challenging language and identity, followed by removing symbols. Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 Raised in captivity, Kanzi had an amazing ability to communicate with humans using symbols and a broad understanding of the English language. Nathan Rott, NPR, 10 Feb. 2026 Flags are carried not as threats but as symbols. Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Feb. 2026 At halftime, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny delivered an energetic performance featuring his biggest hits, powerful imagery and theatrical nods to songs and symbols from throughout his Spanish-language catalog. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
  • There are so many better emblems out there, anyhow — look at any Netflix series that needs to state what’s happened in very explicit dialogue at least three times every episode!
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
  • For the past decade, the months of January in this town have been littered with Chiefs signs, emblems, banners and packed storefronts, from downtown to the Plaza, and from one side of State Line Road to the other.
    Sam McDowell February 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Below, our bed bug experts detail how to recognize the earliest signs of a pest problem, the different types of available treatments, and top tips for preventing bed bugs from ever crossing your bedroom's threshold.
    Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Nonetheless, people often laugh about how well astrological signs describe people born under them.
    Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Mistletoe is associated with love and friendship, hung for good luck, and symbolizes fertility and peace leading to the kissing custom.
    Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Rosemary, which imparts a bright fragrance to a bouquet, symbolizes fidelity.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Labels that once sent cease-and-desist letters now increasingly recognize the data and brand equity available in the secondary market.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Get editorials, opinion columns, letters to the editor and more in your inbox weekday mornings.
    Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • More than a month later, single-stair advocates are still waiting on that report — though a draft version obtained by CalMatters hints that the office may be considering a modest change to the state building code.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Now, for the first time, an experiment hints that an ape in captivity can have an imagination.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Eras Tour ringleader has built an expansive intellectual property portfolio with 175 live trademarks.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The store started the process of registering trademarks in 2000, but their website states that 2012 was Blind Date With a Book’s official first year.
    Jess deCourcy Hinds February 13, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • This same level of access extends to Milan’s cultural, bucket-list icons.
    Elycia Rubin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The month of February sets aside a time to honor America's Black history, from achievements in music and art to political and sports icons.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • His show represents one of the most significant archives of conversations with major literary powerhouses from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
  • An Olympic medal represents years of sacrifice and training.
    Lee Ying Shan,Sydney Goh, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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