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 Making the film made Wishnow rethink what the function of a critic is, especially in how Christgau describes what the two core totems of criticism are. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 The excessive proliferation of totems and masks as decor is more closely associated with Beachcomber offshoots and descendants in the ’50s and ’60s. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Considering that her designs—from the quirky and unmistakable totem collars to magic floating orbs and funky-fine rings—look like nothing else and immediately spark joy, Ashley Moubayed is keeping disco very much alive. — Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026 As a result, his compositions have become strange totems of the internet, like global ringtones. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
  1. symbol
  2. emblem
  3. logo
  4. hallmark
Noun
  • No symbol is wasted, and no connection feels too tenuous to pursue.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What remained were totems and symbols that were somehow infused with nobility.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • The DynaTAC quickly became an emblem of 1980s ambition and excess, a communications device that doubled as a badge of executive clout.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Reviewers also mentioned that the embroidery can be hit and miss, especially around the emblem.
    — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • Firms included on the list may choose to license a CNBC's Financial Advisor 100 logo after publication.
    — Kelli Grant, CFP®,Riley de León, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Just a mile away from the lodge are two Andean lagoons with wowing views of Mount Fitz Roy, the castle-like 11,171-foot peak on the logo of the Patagonia clothing brand.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • Fanatics has made this a hallmark of its business growth over the past decade.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Once the hallmark of bikers, sailors, and general riff-raff, tattoos have become far more mainstream, decorating the bodies of everyone from teachers to lawyers to world-class surgeons.
    — Mike McRae October 09, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem

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