as in monument
a shaped stone laid over or erected near a grave and usually bearing an inscription to identify and preserve the memory of the deceased
the historic cemetery's many tombstones marking the graves of children are telling reminders of the harshness of pioneer life
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Recent Examples of tombstone
Unless a slang term emerges from a popular movie, pinpointing an exact date of birth is difficult (hence the question marks on the tombstone).
—
Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
On a clear morning in March 2018, Betsy Brenner visited Mount Nebo Memorial Park in suburban Denver to locate the tombstone of Judy Goldberg.
—Thomas Koetting, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
On a tombstone at Bath Abbey in England LaFee is vice president of communications for the Sanford Burnham Prebys research institute.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Cattails are native to Florida, but in the Everglades they have been characterized as another tombstone, a sign that nutrient pollution from sugarcane farms to the north has transformed the ecosystem into something else.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tombstone
Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2026
On a clear morning in March 2018, Betsy Brenner visited Mount Nebo Memorial Park in suburban Denver to locate the tombstone of Judy Goldberg.
—Thomas Koetting, jsonline.com, 23 Jan. 2026
On a tombstone at Bath Abbey in England LaFee is vice president of communications for the Sanford Burnham Prebys research institute.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Cattails are native to Florida, but in the Everglades they have been characterized as another tombstone, a sign that nutrient pollution from sugarcane farms to the north has transformed the ecosystem into something else.
—Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tombstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tombstone
Noun
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In Aidarov’s spiral, bodily imprints from hundreds of thousands of migrant workers layer upon one another, the faint depressions of exhausted sleep compressed into a monument that cannot move.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
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Another video showed people in the Iranian town of Galleh Dar toppling a monument dedicated to Khamenei’s predecessor and founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as flames rose from the roundabout and onlookers cheered.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The color palette drew from natural landscapes — sand, stone, and earthy tones — offering a sense of calm and permanence.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
2 Mar. 2026
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The adjoining terrace has 180-degree views of the surrounding skyscrapers, while the chef’s kitchen is stocked with a La Cornue range and teal stone countertops.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the hoopla of Koy breaking his own audience record at the venue, Iglesias crashed the show, presented his friend with a plaque and laid down the gauntlet in front of 17,500 fans.—
Deputy Entertainment,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Over time, arteries can lose flexibility, the inner lining becomes less responsive, and plaque can build up from cholesterol and inflammation.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tombstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tombstone. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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