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 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
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
-
The Logic Theorist was, however, the first AI program designed to prove mathematical theorems and to demonstrate the power of reasoning with symbols.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The food allergy community and parents of children with autism have adopted the teal and blue, respectively, as symbols to promote awareness and inclusivity while trick-or-treating.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For all its big-picture significance, Lo never turns her central trio into emblems.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Beer bottles litter the foreground, blunt emblems of drunk driving.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
-
On Monday, the jury found that Nicklaus Companies—which owns trademarks connected to licensing, golf course design, and several brands, including Golden Bear™ and Jack Nicklaus™—defamed him.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totems. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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