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
Often seen as the captivating totems of the festival season, the Indians, also known as the Black Masking Indians, have origins founded in traditions that symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City.
—
Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
An example of this is the ritual league, which features totems that can spawn a group of challenging enemies.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
Its totem was positioned in front of him, level with his mouth: a microphone.
—Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
An example of this is the ritual league, which features totems that can spawn a group of challenging enemies.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
Its totem was positioned in front of him, level with his mouth: a microphone.
—Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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The character is a powerful metaphor of oppressed women, challenging patriarchal norms, and has emerged as a symbol of female strength and resilience within the Indian horror genre.—
Sunil Sadarangani,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
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The endangered shorebird pair chose Montrose Beach as their summer nesting spot, going on to break records, fledge chicks and serve as symbols for a city as hopeful and hardscrabble as two birds, individually weighing less than a stick of butter, who picked an urban beach to save their species.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Marvel fans will love the subtle Spider-Man emblem on the side, accompanying stickers, and more fun features.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
14 May 2025
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They’d been defeated by invading Nazi German forces but didn’t want anything to happen to their important emblems.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2025
Noun
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On the walls, cutout logos for all 30 teams span above the lockers.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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While the American rapper’s Cactus Jack logo featured on the iconic Blaugrana jersey for the match, Scott was also seen in the stands cheering Barca on and also met several players at full time.—
Tom Sanderson,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Star player Juan Alberto Schiaffino had all the hallmarks of a legendary South American attacker: slender, elegant, highly creative.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
11 May 2025
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Ajo fino, characterized by its small cloves, is a hallmark of Chinchón’s local gastronomy.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
11 May 2025
Noun
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Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar. Fans of Regent’s trademark lavish design won’t be disappointed, with touches such as handblown glass and ceramic pearls and light fixtures fashioned to resemble jewelry among the intricate interior details.—
Chrissie McClatchie,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2025
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If those aren't available, Tesla must explain to the patent and trademark office's satisfaction how this product will differ from others, with detailed specifics, not generalities.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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