symbols 1 of 2

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

Relevance
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
Authorities suspect Mullis placed antisemitic flyers showing hateful symbols such as a noose, a swastika and imagery associated with the German Nazi Party. Maveah Griffith june 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026 Our story begins with these symbols; it should not be hidden as a footnote. Rev. José Rodriguez, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 In May, the brazen murder of a small-city mayor, allegedly by the CJNG, prompted angry protests targeting symbols of the state, which many residents accused of failing to combat spiraling violence. CBS News, 11 June 2026 Beyond Canyon County, Pride events and symbols in other parts of Idaho have faced similar resistance, and in some cases, threats. Matan Josephy, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2026 Authorities in Geneva and activist groups including environmentalists, feminists and foes of capitalism are facing off over the right to protest and the right to protection from those who target symbols of corporate and political power. ABC News, 11 June 2026 The students who practiced concentrating also improved on standardized tests of sustained attention, including those that tested their reaction times or their ability to spot target symbols hidden in a grid. Supreet Kaur, Scientific American, 10 June 2026 Teachers speak out Groups of teachers and their unions have blocked highways, torn down World Cup symbols and occupied the Zócalo to demand better working conditions, including pay raises and the restoration of a public pension system. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 Months earlier, Saeta found itself at the center of cultural debate as fans and observers questioned whether geometric patterns on the white jerseys the men wore throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign were vèvè symbols, sacred Vodou imagery drawn during spiritual ceremonies. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
  • Yet as the memory of the Civil War faded, the meaning of the symbols changed; the names Sumner and Brooks became emblems of partisan rancor—a cautionary tale about the breakdown of civil discourse.
    Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026
  • Kara Jakubik, a 17-year-old Life Scout with Scouting America and an Ambassador with Girl Scouts, spent the morning with other volunteers walking through rows of headstones searching for symbols, such as military branch emblems.
    Abigail Dollins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2026
Noun
  • The driver, identified as Rivas, showed signs of impairment, state police alleged, and fled as troopers checked him out for a potential DWI arrest.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 9 June 2026
  • Days later, the campaign was printing the slogan on lawn signs and using it on social media.
    Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • On the other hand, that sculpture now symbolizes for me not only a full circle moment, but a clear before and after in my life, and therefore as an actor.
    Marcel Ruiz, IndieWire, 8 June 2026
  • Decades later, their performances continue to resonate, reminding audiences why Mayberry still symbolizes a gentler, more hopeful vision of community life.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • That address has been used for trademarks held by the shoe company in multiple different countries.
    Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 3 June 2026
  • Workday and the Workday logo are trademarks of Workday, Inc.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Collection efforts typically start with phone calls and letters and then escalate over time, which means borrowers often have opportunities to address the debt before a creditor reaches the judgment stage.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • In a bid to get Damian to consider granting bail for Rivera, the former congressman’s lawyers submitted letters from friends and former colleagues to both vouch for him and put their own finances at risk on his behalf.
    Jay Weaver June 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • In the final film, hints abound.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • And with the Dolphins rebuilding, logic hints that the player with upside will eventually be favored.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • One of the hallmarks of his time in F1 was his aggression, and in a stock car, that's going to be a valuable asset.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • Those of us dedicated to strengthening American democracy have long supported the hallmarks of a free and fair society, including a vibrant civil society, an independent press, quality civics education, and elections run with integrity.
    Sarita Gupta, Time, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Finally, toolbars are becoming more consistent, and the distracting icons in drop-down menus are quietly disappearing.
    Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026
  • Such renowned cultural icons such as rappers Flo Rida and Rick Ross call the neighborhood their home.
    Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on symbols

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