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

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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
Police are investigating after the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was vandalized with antisemitic symbols, officials said on Saturday morning. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 6 June 2026 Over the past year, two biographers have attempted to flesh out the men behind the symbols. Rob Wolfe, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026 Through a licensing partnership handled by IMG Licensing, Alex and Ani is turning characters, symbols and settings from Prythian into a line of collectible jewelry. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 4 June 2026 On May 29, Bee reporters made a handful of suggestions for names based on historical sports references and other symbols of Sacramento and California for readers to choose from. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 Their harsh geometric forms are sometimes punctuated by recognizable symbols like crosses and hearts, while others are made entirely of abstract twisting, circular, and diagonal forms. Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026 As the second term has progressed, the theatrical symbols of his dominance have grown more ambitious, more personal. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 3 June 2026 Commercial country music, a format of songwriting that is at least somewhat reliant on wordplay and the constant re-arranging of a familiar set of symbols (trucks, mud, whiskey, and so forth), can be particularly susceptible to the accusations. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026 Key club symbols, including the iconic cannon, are incorporated throughout. Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 29 May 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
  • George Forster’s letters portray a man who was honest with himself and the wider world around him.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • The story goes that a couple of decades ago, retired sisters would write letters to legendary coach Gregg Popovich, who would respond back, and the rest is history.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 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

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Cite this Entry

“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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