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
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
The rural Wisconsinite, who died in a psychiatric institution in 1984, became known for keeping as totems pieces of his victims’ bodies, in a string of crimes that shocked bucolic 1950s America.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
These twin totems of American indie film remain a huge part of Redford’s legacy, not to mention an ode to his commitment to fostering the future of the medium.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
Within the fashion section, designers and ceramicists Giulia Cosenza and Jonas Lutz will debut sculptures suitable for retail display, creating totems for bespoke fashion spaces.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2025
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
The rural Wisconsinite, who died in a psychiatric institution in 1984, became known for keeping as totems pieces of his victims’ bodies, in a string of crimes that shocked bucolic 1950s America.
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
These twin totems of American indie film remain a huge part of Redford’s legacy, not to mention an ode to his commitment to fostering the future of the medium.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
Within the fashion section, designers and ceramicists Giulia Cosenza and Jonas Lutz will debut sculptures suitable for retail display, creating totems for bespoke fashion spaces.
—Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totems
Noun
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All of the flags incorporate symbols that reflect part of the neighborhood's history, culture and people.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
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Enter Kanzi, a bonobo who was raised in a lab and became a whiz at communicating with humans using graphic symbols.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For the past decade, the months of January in this town have been littered with Chiefs signs, emblems, banners and packed storefronts, from downtown to the Plaza, and from one side of State Line Road to the other.—
Sam McDowell
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
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No emblems, logos, or flags can be shown or worn by adult AIN athletes.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Within the independent watchmaker’s recognizable framework are some of Louis Vuitton’s own trademarks.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
2 Feb. 2026
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Detroit Pistons at Golden State Warriors Detroit is hitting its city trademarks as its Pistons cruise atop the conference.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Totems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totems. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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