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
  • Barcelona, Catalunya’s capital city on Spain’s eastern coast, has in recent years become a symbol of the fight against overtourism.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The immersive retreat starts off with period costumes and séances, but there are also strange noises, symbols and other sightings.
    — Felecia Wellington Radel, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of symbol
Noun
  • 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
  • The decision is tied to Singapore’s policies on public speech, which prohibit publicly displaying foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of emblem
Noun
  • The lawsuit obtained by the Dayton Daily News claims that Beaver’s Mini Mart’s logo infringes on the one used by Buc-ee’s.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
  • My company doesn’t sell to government, but many of my peers would jump at putting the city of Chicago on their logo wall.
    — Tom Dowling, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of logo
Noun
  • The Red Sox tried to muster some late magic, which has become a bit of a hallmark of this wild, never-say-die Boston season.
    — Curt Anderson, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Kisunla is designed to help slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer's by targeting the brain to break up and remove amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of the disease.
    — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 7 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 10 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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