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
As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety.
—
Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Selena has all but become a saint for millions of Latinos, a totem for modern American Latinidad.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Even in Los Angeles, where Teslas are as familiar as Fords and not primarily viewed as right-wing totems, this wasn’t the first time I’d been shouted at since the election.
—Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Selena has all but become a saint for millions of Latinos, a totem for modern American Latinidad.
—Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
Even in Los Angeles, where Teslas are as familiar as Fords and not primarily viewed as right-wing totems, this wasn’t the first time I’d been shouted at since the election.
—Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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The barrister's wig is worn in courts across the United Kingdom as a symbol of authority, with its use dating back to the 1600s.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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And yet, for all the waiting, this was but the first shot — even an early symbol — of what will almost certainly be a larger war, with other companies joining up to go after Midjourney, and perhaps Disney and Universal going after other companies.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2025
Noun
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Compared to those debts, however, credit card debt can feel like an emblem of incautious spending, poor planning or bad budgeting.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 June 2025
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In the 19th century, Americans of color would take Haiti as an emblem of possibility, one that helped bolster pride and engender action.—
Time,
Time,
9 June 2025
Noun
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One of the protesters' shirt and sign included the logo of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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Season one guests will include Sheryl Swoopes, four time WNBA champion and the inspiration behind the WNBA logo (episode one) and Ken Griffey Sr., Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame baseball player (episode two).—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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The Thunder defense found another gear and showed the swarming intensity that has been a hallmark of the NBA’s top defense throughout the season.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
17 June 2025
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Joe Biden, a Democrat, had made fighting climate change a hallmark of his presidency.—
Matthew Daly,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2025
Noun
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The Marines applied for a trademark in April 2024, and the USPTO registered the mark last month.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 June 2025
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Back then, filing a patent or trademark was a fairly simple process.—
Joe Hudicka,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.
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