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 Handshakes and High Fives The Dodgers have become MLB’s totem for a salary cap. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The Keeper collar, one of the brand’s bestsellers, can be reconfigured with different totems and tassels, while Moubayed expects the Totem chain to be another strong performer. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026 If the likes of Richter, Immendorff, and Polke were established totems of German art when Koether was starting out, there were also younger figures in the limelight. — Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
  1. symbol
  2. emblem
  3. logo
  4. hallmark
Noun
  • Mayor Matt Mahan told the crowd that the flower is the perfect symbol for a city with a beautiful past and a bright future.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • But Rolls-Royce ownership is more than just buying a piece of hardware; it is seen as a symbol of status and craftsmanship.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • As per tradition, 12 career achievement awards will be presented, all shaped like the Stella della Mole, the 12-point sculpture atop Turin’s Museo Nazionale del Cinema and an emblem of both the city and the event.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The film features the voices of Rihanna as The Lucky Star, a house emblem; Louis Garrel as Dior, and Camille Cottin as Dietrich.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • Kanuk’s Snowy Owl logo has become part of the fabric of Canada over the past half century.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • McDonald's logo sign is seen in Berlin, Germany, on September 12, 2026.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • The combination of earthy base panels with bright colors is a hallmark of outdoor gear, one which was previously employed on a more formal ACG Air Max 95 pack from 2018.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Government lawyers are not litigating to the professional standards that once were the hallmark of the department.
    — John E. Jones III, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem

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