Thesaurus results for SYMBOLS

symbols 1 of 2

noun

plural of symbol

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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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

as in symbolizes

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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

College football Saturdays run on repetition, with the same soundtrack, symbols and rituals repeated so faithfully that generations of fans know the cues. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 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 Retired computer scientist Tom Verhoeff first explored such problems in a workshop for a grade school math camp, where the campers investigated with actual string and carabiners but also translated the problem into symbols. — Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2026 Out of this environment, local symbols of resistance have been born. — Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 As the symbols of the winter of 2026 become folk art in Minnesota, there continues to be a longing for answers, and for a recognition of the lasting damage that the surge inflicted on the state. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Citizens will officially be known as dei-Naoero rather than Nauruans, and the new name is being incorporated into government records, national symbols, aircraft, and ships. — Bailey Berg, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2026 Nara Prison is one of Japan’s famed Five Great Prisons of the Meiji era, symbols of the dawn of a new modern age for the nation, and the only one to survive today. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 As much as Kennedy loves playing with symbols and myths, ongoingness is his true theme, as well as his method. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols

Noun

People choose emblems, like a star or a flower, for a little flair.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of emblems

Noun

Tentative signs of improvement emerged in May, June and July, when border crossings picked up slightly, the agency reported.

— Rio Yamat, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
Next, another set of no-parking signs went up and came down (except for several that were mistakenly left up), with no work having been done.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of signs

Verb

Skenes’ recent inconsistency symbolizes a larger step back by the Pittsburgh rotation since the All-Star break, with Jared Jones and Mitch Keller also struggling, pushing the Bucs to the fringe of the playoff race.

— Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The hearing took place before a packed courtroom at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, as Golden’s supporters wore purple, a color that symbolizes survivors of domestic violence.

— Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of symbolizes

Verb

The fact Dodson and Gay played in the preseason finale hints that they could be released this weekend.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
One of the photos released shows the pair of friends-turned-secret-lovers in bed together, while another shot of them facing each other in a bathroom hints that there’s tension lingering.

— Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hints

Noun

But all the other hallmarks of Traitors will be there, including host Alan Cumming and a Thursday night time slot.

— Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026
Midcentury hallmarks include post-and-beam construction with interesting circles and curves breaking up the strong linearity, an open floor plan, and walls of glass providing a seamless connection to the outdoors.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of hallmarks

Noun

Over the years, his six-string prowess has put him on stages with icons including Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring of Widespread Panic and Derek Trucks.

— John D. Luerssen, SPIN, 9 Sep. 2026
Matsson grew up with America, and American music, as the holy grail — the folk and blues icons like Dylan and James, the punk bands, the counterculture.

— Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026