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

Relevance

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 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 To drive home the importance of the Celine jean, Rider stacked them, totem-like and almost to the ceiling, in the company’s Paris headquarters. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 The company’s new label, King Snedley, defied every marketing totem and tradition ever created by the beer industry. Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
  • One is called Palindrome meaning a word, phrase, number or sequence of symbols that reads the same backward as forward.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Owls are a symbol of the transition between life and death and wisdom and knowledge.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Wreckage of the helicopter with the state police emblem was seen laying on its side near the airport’s runway in video from CNN affiliate WPMT.
    Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The launch includes two capsule collections that use two of the house’s famed monograms, Monogram Dune and Monogram Infrarouge, as their muse, as well as taking inspiration from the emblem’s 130th anniversary.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • August, strikingly tall and in sweatpants bearing his university’s logo, introduces himself.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That does not mean every animal logo invites a lawsuit, or that Buc-ee’s will prevail in every case.
    Jason St. Angelo, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their December through February forecasts for both temperature and precipitation are showing hallmarks of El Niño.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Andy’s view The hallmark of Zhu Rongji, the former Chinese premier who died last week, was his fearless energy.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!