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
Thanks to the airtight synchronicity between its literal value as a totem tying the Friedkens to Anna’s death, but as a symbol of the sins and circumstantial mistakes that emanate from a family broken by a cutthroat society.
—
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 19 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
Ketchikan adds totem heritage, creek-side boardwalks and salmon runs right through town.
—Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
There are garments worn by clergy in the late 18th century and religious totems, and items used by explorers from around the same general time period: a saddle, a tobacco pouch, a cooking griddle, and things like a pistol and gunpowder horn.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 19 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
Ketchikan adds totem heritage, creek-side boardwalks and salmon runs right through town.
—Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
There are garments worn by clergy in the late 18th century and religious totems, and items used by explorers from around the same general time period: a saddle, a tobacco pouch, a cooking griddle, and things like a pistol and gunpowder horn.
—Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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Lyra also has the ability to read an alethiometer, a marvelous magical device—the titular compass—that can answer any question, but only by way of arcane symbols.—
Lev Grossman,
The Atlantic,
23 Oct. 2025
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For over 100 years, presidents have enhanced the White House, preserving its legacy as a symbol of our nation.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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His campaign emblem is a crane, symbolizing the construction boom of recent years.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
28 Oct. 2025
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For all its big-picture significance, Lo never turns her central trio into emblems.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Some customers decried the logo change as uninviting.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
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Amid the frenzy, another Democratic candidate released his own shirtless photo to show off his arm tattoo of former President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign logo.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In January, as Amorim faced Hurzeler for the first time, Brighton’s opening goal bore the hallmarks of their previous wins.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Other than the big notes of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves (three of Cincinnati chili’s main hallmarks), the ice cream also features whole oyster crackers, which add a bit of crunch to the ultra-creamy dessert and give a nod to the popular chili topping.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Johnson wore her trademark bangs and her brunette hair long and straight, accessorizing with simple drop earrings and a rectangular, black Valentino clutch bag.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
27 Oct. 2025
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Gilligan’s trademark cold opens, which can transport us halfway around the world or introduce new characters, remain a masterly way of calibrating suspense.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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