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
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Recent Examples of totem
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
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The auction includes other, less-pricey Shag prints and items, including an 8-inch Tiki Room totem mug (autographed on tag) and a lunchbox saluting Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for totem
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
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The auction includes other, less-pricey Shag prints and items, including an 8-inch Tiki Room totem mug (autographed on tag) and a lunchbox saluting Disneyland’s 50th anniversary.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
-
The crowd was feeling good and a little in disbelief at the sight of a fighting ring next to one of the most hallowed symbols of American democracy.—
Liam Bowman,
Washington Post,
15 June 2026
-
Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
All of the objects bear the president’s profile on one side and a 250th anniversary emblem on the obverse.—
Drew Pittock,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
On Sunday, the brand updated its Instagram profile image to feature a covered logo and posted videos from the stadium showing the shrouded emblem at the entrance and above the scoreboard.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
15 June 2026
Noun
-
The task was then to make the shirts look official, so a few members of the team’s staff stayed up all night before the game stitching on numbers, the Argentina crest and the Le Coq Sportif logo.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
The cap featured a rainbow version of the team's logo.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
In an era when divisive politics and social media have emboldened people to voice their thoughts in a vacuum, campuses — once hallmarks for the exchange of ideas and opinions — are becoming increasingly polarized in the eyes of some Americans.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2026
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Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc destined for the Impression achieved superb phenolic ripeness, with the Cabernet Franc developing beautiful aromatic complexity without excessive herbal notes that can be a hallmark of the variety.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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