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
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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
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Recent Examples of symbols
John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The group was told not to wear visible Jewish symbols.
—Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Clyne had learned a spiritual ritual from Gordon involving an animal hide with symbols written on it.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
The breakdown in relations became one of the most visible symbols of the deep political crisis that engulfed Venezuela during Maduro’s rule, as Washington imposed sweeping sanctions and sought to isolate the socialist government internationally.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
After the war, public space in Iran was increasingly filled with revolutionary and religious symbols related to wartime sacrifice and martyrdom.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Targets in the Israeli campaign included Iran’s military, symbols of government and intelligence targets, according to an official briefed on the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information on the attack.
—Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
Strange rituals conducted by children unfold on the beach; dance parties at the big club devolve into fever dream bacchanals; cryptic, threatening symbols appear near the rental house.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
The group was told not to wear visible Jewish symbols.
—Emma Hurt, AJC.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Clyne had learned a spiritual ritual from Gordon involving an animal hide with symbols written on it.
—Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
The breakdown in relations became one of the most visible symbols of the deep political crisis that engulfed Venezuela during Maduro’s rule, as Washington imposed sweeping sanctions and sought to isolate the socialist government internationally.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
After the war, public space in Iran was increasingly filled with revolutionary and religious symbols related to wartime sacrifice and martyrdom.
—Eric Lob, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
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
Targets in the Israeli campaign included Iran’s military, symbols of government and intelligence targets, according to an official briefed on the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic information on the attack.
—Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
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On the contrary, even its most outlandish and grotesque inventions are portrayed tastefully, with a sheen of aesthetic refinement that turns the most intensely emotional moments into emblems of emotion.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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India is feeling the heat as tensions in the Middle East show no signs of cooling, with high oil prices likely to increase the country’s already substantial energy import bill, while disruptions to flight routes hamper airline operations.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
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Speaking before the Board of Governors at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said there were no signs of strikes to Iran's nuclear facilities or elevated radiation levels above the usual background levels detected in countries bordering Iran.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a metaphorical sense, spring symbolizes renewal, growth and fresh beginnings.—
Tiffany Acosta,
AZCentral.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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Blue represents the color of Lord Krishna’s skin while green symbolizes spring and rebirth.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The dispute led to months of lengthy meetings, a protest resignation and critical public letters from the districts against the village.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
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Witnesses at the scene gave police two letters of the license plate of the suspect vehicle.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If a family member hints about a sore topic or a roommate is audibly worried about space or bills, talk to them about it.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
24 Feb. 2026
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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.—
Ben Christopher,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fritz’s high tennis IQ and fiery competitiveness have long been trademarks.—
Douglas Robson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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His toughness and physicality are trademarks of his game, and make sense for coach Rod Brind’Amour’s lineup.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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At a recent retrospective for the Gen Z star put on by the American Cinematheque, icons like Denis Villeneuve, Edward Norton and Christopher Nolan showed up in support.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Mar. 2026
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To mark the anniversary, Lee commissioned a campaign saturated with icons.—
Luke Leitch,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Because of these advantages, amorphous metals have previously been used in specialized electrical components such as transformers, but applying them to automotive traction motors represents a more recent advancement.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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Journalists laid off by Lake say the ruling vindicates them and represents an important step toward restoring the news organization.—
DAVID BAUDER,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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