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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In a January letter to the Armed Forces Chaplains Board, the Rabbinical Council of America warned that the use of Jewish symbols by non-Jewish clergy could create confusion in the military chaplaincy system.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
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Last week, the Princess of Wales paid a visit to Leicester to celebrate the city’s Indian community, where she was presented with a rose garland—a symbol of respect and honour in Indian culture—that was also strung with pearls.—
Laura Hawkins,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Business emblems have permeated pro sports—sewn onto jerseys, stamped onto equipment, digitally plastered behind players.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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The film resists framing him as an emblem or argument.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Other videos show the Finder app reimagined with cutesy, anime-style eyes, blushing at the camera, and someone opening a pink blush compact sporting the Apple logo.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Menoza tossed a purple football – the color in Taco Bell’s logo – to announce the permanent addition of Nacho Fries to the menu after more than eight years of limited-time status.—
Fielding Buck,
Oc Register,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those familiar with Prager’s work will recognize hallmarks of her visual flourishes, from the matte-painting backdrops to the feeling that everything is taking place out of time.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Mar. 2026
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The quality and appeal of the AGO’s exhibitions, the significant growth of the collection, and his deep commitment to scholarship, all stand as hallmarks of his successful tenure, said AGO director Stephan Jost in a statement.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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