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
Tim Grierson paid a visit to the Criterion Mobile Closet last weekend, as the cinephile totem made its first ever stop in Los Angeles, parked in front of Vidiots.
—
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The high-low contrast between a $27.99 toy and, say, a $4,700 Bottega Veneta Andiamo leather tote bag has become a knowing wink, a 4-inch-tall totem of irony.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
The Beach Year: 2000 Runtime: 1h 59m Following A Life Less Ordinary, Boyle’s Hollywood sojourn continued with this adaptation of Alex Garland’s debut novel, seen by many at the time as a bit of a Gen-X totem of drugs, freedom, and alienation.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
The whale tooth was treated as a totem or sacred object, researchers said.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The high-low contrast between a $27.99 toy and, say, a $4,700 Bottega Veneta Andiamo leather tote bag has become a knowing wink, a 4-inch-tall totem of irony.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
The Beach Year: 2000 Runtime: 1h 59m Following A Life Less Ordinary, Boyle’s Hollywood sojourn continued with this adaptation of Alex Garland’s debut novel, seen by many at the time as a bit of a Gen-X totem of drugs, freedom, and alienation.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
The whale tooth was treated as a totem or sacred object, researchers said.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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Steinman functions as a symbol of her issues with her father, so what better way to encapsulate that than through a form of a media beloved by our parents’ generation?—
Ginny Hogan
August 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Aug. 2025
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The two surviving northern white rhinos are symbols of both human failure and ingenuity.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Obeid is an emblem of a dreadful war, and Salah’s post highlighted how football has been quiet in addressing it.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
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For Thursday’s dinner, the style assignment meant sneakers, Fear of God pants, and a beige Balmain emblem polo shirt.—
Kristen Tauer,
Footwear News,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Home Depot spokesperson Beth Marlowe said late Friday that the company had not approved the party to use its branding or logo.—
Lawrence Mower,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
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That logo Deadpool-ian Avengers logo was last seen in Deadpool & Wolverine as a flag during the dystopian other-verse seen where Deadpool and Wolverine meet Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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In mice that were specially bred to develop the same kinds of brain changes as humans with Alzheimer’s disease, a low-lithium diet revved the buildup of sticky proteins that form plaques and tangles in the brains that are hallmarks of the disease.—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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Southerners know the importance of hospitality—but in today’s world, carving out intentional spaces sans technology may be the new hallmark of gracious living.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Or one of the forward’s trademark bendy-legged dribbles?—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
13 Aug. 2025
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In the video, Blippi wears his signature blue-and-orange striped hat with his orange glasses and suspenders, and many of his co-stars (kids and grown-ups too) try out his trademark look.—
Katie Atkinson,
Billboard,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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