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 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 Dragons and zebras joined the lions and walruses, as did a robot and a totem built with prosthetic legs. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 18 June 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
  1. symbol
  2. emblem
  3. logo
  4. hallmark
Noun
  • Yet historical symbols often outlive the contexts in which they were created, and the American alligator bears the imprint of a long racial history.
    — The Conversation, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Soap and water typically do the job Disinfectants became a symbol of protection during the pandemic.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • Speaking at the premiere, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos framed the series as an emblem of the streamer’s decade in the country, tying its scale to a broader economic case for local production.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
  • General Electric, once the emblem of MSV, was broken apart after years of financial engineering and under-investment in core capabilities.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • An excellent choice for Adidas fans, this backpack has a bold text logo printed in a prominent position.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The space between the O and the V are a little bit tighter on mine than on other versions of the logo.
    — Vadim Rizov, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • Indeed, high concept world-building and twists on genre archetypes are notable hallmarks of the Toronto showcase titles, which cut deep into edgy untold stories and contemporary angst around identity.
    — Jennie Punter, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Tusk said at the time that the killing of Robert Kuzovkov, known by the pseudonym Semyon Skrepetsky, had the hallmarks of a political assassination.
    — Claudia Ciobanu, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on totem

Nglish: Translation of totem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about totem

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