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
Even in Los Angeles, where Teslas are as familiar as Fords and not primarily viewed as right-wing totems, this wasn’t the first time I’d been shouted at since the election.
—
Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Often seen as the captivating totems of the festival season, the Indians, also known as the Black Masking Indians, have origins founded in traditions that symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City.
—Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Andrew Moseman, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Modern art is also honoring Saint-Pierre with 32 giant totems created by Caribbean artists.
—Martinique Tourism Authority, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Often seen as the captivating totems of the festival season, the Indians, also known as the Black Masking Indians, have origins founded in traditions that symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City.
—Martie Bowser, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
This year’s collection includes a yellow tee labeled with a drink recipe for happiness, blending tourney-watching totems like ‘10 oz.
—Mike Dojc, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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In one respect, at least—as a symbol for present-day America—the vehicle really could not be improved.—
Glenn Adamson,
Artforum,
1 June 2025
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John Brink, a Rand McNally cartographer, came up with a solution: Creating symbols for highways that were printed on the road maps and also put on signs attached to electrical and telephone poles along those roads.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
1 June 2025
Noun
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The black sole sports and bold gold emblem from Prada. Related Stories Cannes has become known internationally for its fashion as much as its films.—
Mikelle Street,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
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The videos are depraved yet sophisticated, hyperactive yet requiring devotional attention to narrative, and gonzo yet replete with naked emblems of cultural fears around.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
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There is a strong sense of roundness about the interior trim, with the dashboard, screens, vents and other features echoing the C-shape in the Smart logo.—
James Morris,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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The set, emblazoned with the EA7 Gymnasium logo, was anchored by minimalist, strappy sandals with a low block heel and a glossy finish.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Noun
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Inter-agent error cascades, opaque communications, and emerging instability are the hallmarks of agents trying to navigate a reality they were never built to understand.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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While some bitcoin backers have been left disappointed by the lack of commitment to purchasing the token on the open market as a means of backing a strategic reserve, Trump has reined in the aggressive regulatory enforcement of the crypto industry that was a hallmark of the Biden administration.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The New York guard even drained one of her trademark one-legged runners, the shot that put her on the map during that finals series.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Apparently, trademark infringement wasn’t the issue; the problem was powdered milk and whey—ingredients in El Mordjene, alongside sugar, hazelnuts, vegetable fat, and emulsifiers.—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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