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
Laura’s empty swimming pool comes in for a major metaphorical workout, and the film is dotted with memes and totems of a kind of witchcraft we’re never given the full decoder ring to.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
The world was enchanted, alive with gods, totems, and unseen forces.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Some of the pieces are even displayed on totems similar to the ones at Carlos Place.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 27 May 2025
As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025
The world was enchanted, alive with gods, totems, and unseen forces.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Some of the pieces are even displayed on totems similar to the ones at Carlos Place.
—Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 27 May 2025
As the century moved on, the Times became a totem of middle-class culture and propriety.
—Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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This was not just a strike on a symbol of repression.—
Siamak Namazi,
Time,
25 June 2025
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The film captures the powerful spirit of activism and collectivity that make the fandom a symbol of hope and unity.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Noun
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Here, too, is the emblem of the Alfred Hitchcock Foundation, established to preserve and promote the legacy of the filmmaker and director.—
Nancy Olson,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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From Americana stars and stripes to turquoise, cow print, and denim patterns or lassos, cacti, and the gold SIR DAVIS emblem, Dawkins’ nail sets cater to various interpretations of a cowboy.—
Ruth Etiesit Samuel,
Essence,
4 June 2025
Noun
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One of the protesters' shirt and sign included the logo of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
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Season one guests will include Sheryl Swoopes, four time WNBA champion and the inspiration behind the WNBA logo (episode one) and Ken Griffey Sr., Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame baseball player (episode two).—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
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Midfield is the hallmark of both Barca and Spain and their three midfielders set the tempo, create the play and provide the balance between attack and defence.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
29 June 2025
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Once a hallmark of old-world kitchens and grand country estates, range alcoves are making a major comeback in kitchen design.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 June 2025
Noun
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With over 4 million Instagram followers and more than 1.5 million TikTok followers, Paige Spiranac's dress style has practically become her trademark.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Trump, however, should employ his trademark willingness to say out loud what others are thinking but not dare say, and acknowledge a simple truth: NATO membership for Ukraine is unattainable.—
Charles Kupchan,
Foreign Affairs,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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