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
Their names are listed in the African American Museum’s exhibit, but not at the cemetery as there are no tombstones left there – except for a few.
—
Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for tombstone
Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for tombstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tombstone
Noun
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Despite this drop in visitors, 26 of the 433 sites in the NPS system—which includes national parks, monuments, historic sites, battlefields, recreation areas, preserves, and seashores—broke all-time records for visitation.—
Owen Clarke,
Outside,
13 Mar. 2026
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Artist Lauren Halsey has built an architectural monument to South Los Angeles — its past, present and future.—
Jane Horowitz,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The versatile diamond cut—aptly named for the long and rounded shape of the stone—is a beautiful option for couples looking for a timeless option that also can be set with a very fashion-forward edge.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2026
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Nothing is officially set in stone just yet, as the agency's Bicycle and Active Transportation Advisory Committee (BATAC) will be holding the meeting.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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After O’Brien’s lifeless body is wheeled out, a name plaque with a new host is put on the door.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
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Starting treatment earlier may help limit that long-term exposure, rather than trying to reverse it later after artery plaque (atherosclerosis) has already developed.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tombstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tombstone. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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