as in symbols
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 totems
Why Ketchikan matters Long before Ketchikan became a bustling fishing town and cruise port, the sheltered waterways of Southeast Alaska were home to Indigenous communities whose histories were carved into towering cedar totems.
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Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Haring’s totems clearly express this idea.
—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.
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Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Her materials include those most basic elements of the earth—geology—and her forms borrow from totems, obelisks, prehistoric megaliths, and Indigenous Caribbean zeniths.
—
Emily Watlington,
ARTnews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
The vishaps’ consistent ties to water sources, their polished surfaces and their precise placement in harsh alpine zones point to a widespread belief system in which water itself was sacred and required such totems of appreciation.
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New Atlas,
11 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
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Literary Hub,
25 Nov. 2025
But for a city break with all the totems of winter, Boston more than delivers.
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Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
7 Nov. 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
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Haring’s totems clearly express this idea.
—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.
—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Her materials include those most basic elements of the earth—geology—and her forms borrow from totems, obelisks, prehistoric megaliths, and Indigenous Caribbean zeniths.
—
Emily Watlington,
ARTnews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
The vishaps’ consistent ties to water sources, their polished surfaces and their precise placement in harsh alpine zones point to a widespread belief system in which water itself was sacred and required such totems of appreciation.
—
New Atlas,
11 Dec. 2025
Among the totems, knickknacks, and ephemera in Will Shortz’s home-cum-museum, and one of his favorite items, is a copy of the 1924 book inscribed by Dick Simon and Max Schuster, sent to its source of inspiration.
—
Literary Hub,
25 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totems
Noun
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Below three magical symbols, the author wrote the names of four enslaved people.
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What used to be a family-friendly environment is now filled with drag queens, definitive political and ideological statements about sexuality, and mascots decked out in the colors and symbols of that movement.
Noun
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However, Manfred said the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep using Pride emblems on uniforms and hats under a grandfathered exception because Los Angeles and San Francisco are home to large LGBTQ communities and both clubs wanted to show support for those fans.
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No logos or emblems make for a classy design.
Noun
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The success has not changed another of Kelly’s trademarks, which is to show as little emotion on the mound as possible, which means pretty much none.
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The Knicks’ poise and their resilience were the team’s defining trademarks, as three of the five largest comebacks in NBA Finals history came during this series against the Spurs.
Cite this Entry
“Totems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totems. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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