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
The history wonks upstairs tell us that ancient Egyptians considered butterflies to be symbols of eternity, souls and divine transformation. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 May 2026 For more than a century, the swans at Lake Eola have been among the most iconic symbols of the city of Orlando. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026 From the Detroit riverfront to the city skyline, the Renaissance Center remains one of the most recognizable symbols of downtown Detroit. Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 8 May 2026 The case intensifies international scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of religious minorities, following recent incidents of soldiers desecrating Christian religious symbols in Lebanon. Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 Mix different types of characters Use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols to increase complexity. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 Yet, once the pilgrimage concludes, these symbols often face a linear end, contributing to a mounting global crisis of textile waste. Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 Another way to assess age and origin is through maker’s marks—symbols, numbers, or letters stamped on an item to identify its manufacturer. Nicole Anderson, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026 One of the oldest symbols was probably a representation of the vulva. Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
  • Others have opted to place banners in the stands or sponsor emblems on seatbacks.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 8 May 2026
  • As Akhavan speaks, the absurdity of reading the lilies as emblems of colonialism is impossible to ignore.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • But there are clear signs that Miller has not backed away from his own views on immigration—including on H-2B visas.
    Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
  • And that’s evident in so many facets in museums on Route 66, in neon signs and galleries, on menus that have been there, operating for decades and decades.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • The tall, enchanting gladiolus symbolizes integrity and persistence.
    Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
  • To this end, the robot symbolizes changes in moon missions’ objectives from pure observation and sample collection to more of an on-site engineering project.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Property owners received letters warning that their land might be taken through eminent domain.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Unlike many other scholarships, students are eligible for the funds without having to submit an essay, meet a minimum GPA or provide recommendation letters.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Despite getting demoted from protagonist to fatality victim, Tan hints that he might not be done with Mortal Kombat — even if Cole and his now-two-dimensional noggin are.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 12 May 2026
  • The value difference hints that the property might experience an increase in its assessed valuation.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • All trademarks and copyrights of the Atlanta Dream and WNBA are used by permission.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
  • Actor Matthew McConaughey sought and last year obtained trademarks for audio and video clips, including in his films.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Following the deaths last week of two franchise icons, Braves fans gathered Tuesday night at Truist Park to honor the lives of former manager Bobby Cox and former owner Ted Turner at the team’s game against the Chicago Cubs.
    Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
  • Renowned chef Hillary Sterling has worked in kitchens with some culinary icons.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • This distribution represents 6% year-over-year growth.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 10 May 2026
  • The article suggests the expansive field represents a meaningful shift in political power from the historically dominant San Francisco Bay Area to Southern California, reflecting broader changes in the state’s political landscape.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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