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 As a result, his compositions have become strange totems of the internet, like global ringtones. — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 Harper’s extra glove might be more of a totem than a practical need, but there’s little reason to doubt that the franchise slugger would go to great lengths to secure a career-first World Series championship. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 There, he’s attacked by The Denied, a militia group of non-benders who feel like second-class citizens in this world seeking an old totem of a prior Avatar known as Sonam. — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 July 2026 The shrinekeeper greets bar patrons, gives them nicknames, will learn to recognize regulars, plays games of chess alone and with guests, and accepts tips that manifest into permanent flora or small totems within the microcosm of the work. — Gabriella Angeleti, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
  1. symbol
  2. emblem
  3. logo
  4. hallmark
Noun
  • The teaser video even included a shot of a fan with a beer cup snake, a symbol of the lack of focus in the bleachers.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Nara Prison is one of Japan’s famed Five Great Prisons of the Meiji era, symbols of the dawn of a new modern age for the nation, and the only one to survive today.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • Later, when offices overtook factories as the emblem of work, efficiency became more abstract.
    — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Begin at the Fountain of Neptune, whose trident inspired the emblem Mario Maserati designed for the company, first used in 1926.
    — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • The Murray Hill man wears a fleece vest embroidered with his employer’s logo (the bank, the fund) ten months out of the year.
    — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Both company’s come together on a leather tag attached to the laces, featuring the brands’ logos.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • These included starts, mark-room decisions and, above all, the ability to fight back through the fleet after a poor start, something which has become a hallmark of the Spanish in more recent years.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In addition to sculptural styles, which have become a hallmark of the label, Vettese will also be introducing her first handbag, said to be inspired by her signature hip corset.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem

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