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
Those rules often involve practical limits like no numbers, symbols, extremely long names, or characters that the state system cannot process. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 These letters represent symbols of God as the beginning (alpha) and the end (omega). Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 May 2026 The design also incorporates traditional symbols, including the Chrome Hearts signature Fleur de Lys, making the store feel both branded and at home in its South of France setting. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 Rodríguez has publicly sought to distance her interim government from some of the most notorious symbols of repression associated with the Maduro era. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026 Some Mexican drug cartels are known to house exotic cats as symbols of power and, occasionally, to dispose of their enemies. CBS News, 11 May 2026 The towering Big Tex statue, a 55-foot cowboy that greets visitors at the entrance, has become one of the most recognizable symbols of American fair culture. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026 From swastikas scrawled in school bathrooms and subway stations to antisemitic graffiti targeting synagogues and Jewish institutions, symbols of hate are appearing with growing visibility in everyday American life. Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026 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
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
  • Getting a lot done in a day is par for the course for Binkowski, who will graduate with eight varsity letters in four sports.
    Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Sohaib was found guilty at trial last week, while Muneeb pleaded guilty in April 2026—but has been furiously trying to take back his plea ever since through a series of handwritten letters to the judge.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 14 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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“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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