totem

noun

ˈtō-təm How to pronounce totem (audio)
Definition of totemnext
as in symbol
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark the bald eagle, that universally recognized totem of our country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 totem Sculptures, totems and masks, skateboards, clothing, boomboxes, paintings, drawings, and a 1963 Buick Special, will be on view. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 4 June 2026 Trader Sam’s took its cues heavily from the Adventureland attraction, its bar flanked by tiki totems with slowly wandering eyes. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 Ketchikan, Alaska, is known as the totem capital of the world and is home to one of the largest collections of standing totem poles anywhere. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 13 May 2026 In the 1960s, with the rise of the counterculture, totems became an even more widespread trope. — Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
  1. symbol
  2. emblem
  3. logo
  4. hallmark
Noun
  • In each of the portraits, his subjects are draped by the white veil, both a symbol of matrimony and silence.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • The Tass news agency cited Nadezhdin’s lawyer as saying he had been charged with displaying symbols of extremist organizations.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 14 July 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • More Jews report hiding their Star of David necklaces along with other Jewish emblems; 73% report experiencing antisemitism online.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Perhaps the most iconic emblem of July 4 is a nighttime sky full of fireworks, and this year will be no exception.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • Batman stares intensely at the camera, and the film’s logo appears, followed by the new release date, which is set for February 18, 2028, up from its previous release date of October 1, 2027.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 15 July 2026
  • Megaride cushioning at the heel comes in a metallic silver, matching the Hellstar logo on the tongue.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • The conjunction of so many potential hazards has all the hallmarks of the proverbial perfect storm.
    — Peter Hailey, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • But, like Midnight Rave, if the MIISTA event didn’t have the hallmarks of a true DIY rave, why not just call it a party?
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026
Definition of hallmark

Browse Nearby Words

toted (up)
totem
totems
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Cite this Entry

“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Nglish: Translation of totem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem

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