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.
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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
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Shiites hold their most sacred and emotionally charged annual ritual — Ashura — to commemorate Hussein’s death, honoring him as a galvanizing symbol of the fight against oppression.
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Instead of traditional sheet music, musicians learn songs through colors, shapes, symbols and other familiar tools.
Noun
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However, Manfred said the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep using Pride emblems on uniforms and hats under a grandfathered exception because Los Angeles and San Francisco are home to large LGBTQ communities and both clubs wanted to show support for those fans.
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Dismissed by some as a publicity stunt, the crew proved the naysayers wrong, becoming a formidable presence and a powerful emblem of change.
Noun
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EssilorLuxottica’s logo appears alongside Meta’s on the inside of the temple arms and on the packaging.
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Minimalist details like monochromatic stitching and a subtle Kate Spade logo clasp add to its understated elegance.
Noun
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My tick was a few millimeters long and teardrop-shaped, with a brick-red abdomen surrounding the black shield on its back—hallmarks of an adult female deer tick.
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The first goal came about through the kind of incisive and free-flowing attack that had been a hallmark of the contest in SoFi Stadium one week ago.
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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