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
This time, everyone remains on the couch and passes around a doll named Eve as a permission-to-speak totem.
—
Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2025
But for a city break with all the totems of winter, Boston more than delivers.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
The dress fetched more than $125,000 at auction, cementing its status as a totem of the couple’s early years.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The Chinese take-out eatery included a dining area themed to look like a Tiki lounge with bamboo, oars, totems and puffer fish lamps.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2025
But for a city break with all the totems of winter, Boston more than delivers.
—Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 7 Nov. 2025
The dress fetched more than $125,000 at auction, cementing its status as a totem of the couple’s early years.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The Chinese take-out eatery included a dining area themed to look like a Tiki lounge with bamboo, oars, totems and puffer fish lamps.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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Last year was represented by the snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition and transformation.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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But such a visit would antagonize China and South Korea, where the shrine is viewed as a symbol of Japanese imperial aggression and historical denialism.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The horse is traditionally regarded as an emblem of confidence and forward motion, suggesting a period defined by significant opportunity and success.—
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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There are so many better emblems out there, anyhow — look at any Netflix series that needs to state what’s happened in very explicit dialogue at least three times every episode!—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Conspicuous logos and seasonal hype no longer justify their price or promise.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
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Black suede dresses the majority of its upper, while cream leather is used for the Swoosh and heel, the latter of which bears embroidery of Thrasher’s famous logo.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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An all-black ensemble has long been the hallmark of edgy, punk rock vibes, so embrace that.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
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Charity is a hallmark of Ramadan.—
Mariam Fam,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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