1
as in emblems
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
the traditional physician's symbol of a staff entwined with a snake
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2
as in signs
a written or printed mark that is meant to convey information to the reader
the symbol ¶ indicates where a new paragraph should begin symbols such as emoji that are used in texts
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of symbols
Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Another way to assess age and origin is through maker’s marks—symbols, numbers, or letters stamped on an item to identify its manufacturer.
—Nicole Anderson, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Tourism shapes national narratives, creates national symbols, and frames our perceptions of other societies.
—CBS News, 1 May 2026
One of the oldest symbols was probably a representation of the vulva.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The recommendations span the gamut of expanding research into hate crime data, improving security funding, addressing the display of hate symbols, expanding social media and digital literacy, and increasing educational resources for professionals teachers and students.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
When creating a new password, security experts suggest generating one that is as long as possible, with a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
Casey is a staggering 6 feet, 9 inches, and has many tattoos, including a Confederate flag and other White supremacist symbols.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
But the four-poster bed carved with Pica-pau’s symbols feels enchanted and protective.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
Yet, once the pilgrimage concludes, these symbols often face a linear end, contributing to a mounting global crisis of textile waste.
—Fmg Studios, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
Another way to assess age and origin is through maker’s marks—symbols, numbers, or letters stamped on an item to identify its manufacturer.
—Nicole Anderson, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
Tourism shapes national narratives, creates national symbols, and frames our perceptions of other societies.
—CBS News, 1 May 2026
One of the oldest symbols was probably a representation of the vulva.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
The recommendations span the gamut of expanding research into hate crime data, improving security funding, addressing the display of hate symbols, expanding social media and digital literacy, and increasing educational resources for professionals teachers and students.
—Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
When creating a new password, security experts suggest generating one that is as long as possible, with a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Apr. 2026
Casey is a staggering 6 feet, 9 inches, and has many tattoos, including a Confederate flag and other White supremacist symbols.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
But the four-poster bed carved with Pica-pau’s symbols feels enchanted and protective.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbols
Noun
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Chaiwalas, or street tea venders, have long been taken as emblems of the small-scale entrepreneurialism by which uneducated Indians can gain subsistence, and, in theory, something more.—
Nathan Heller,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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The two became emblems of a schism.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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With most dogs showing signs of dental disease by age three, simple, low-effort solutions are gaining traction among pet owners looking for consistency without adding complexity.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Sources with knowledge of the case previously told Fox News Digital there were no signs of a struggle inside.—
Michael Ruiz , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The brand name represents a bull (toro), which symbolizes strength and charging forward.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The diamond symbolizes strength, clarity, and enduring love.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 1933, a writer for this magazine visited Saliger and reviewed letters from satisfied customers.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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In bold letters in his order, Vera said the government was barred from removing Romero León to Mexico.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The asymmetry of the wear on the krakens’ jaws, meanwhile, hints that different parts of the animals’ brain were specialized for different tasks—a sign of advanced cognition in these invertebrates.—
Kate Wong,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
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And Pearlman hints that Trump won't just be watching, but participating, in his act.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Reports claiming Harry and Meghan have taken steps to secure their children’s names across trademarks came after the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle line announced a Mother's Day collection that included tributes to her children.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
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The deal, announced Tuesday, transfers all trademarks and associated rights of the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown from the Stronach Group (doing business as 1/ST) to Churchill Downs ($CHDN).—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The murder case against Nick Reiner — who is charged with killing his parents, beloved Hollywood icons Rob and Michele Reiner — will not proceed until September.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
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The room, packed with about 100 people, was filled with members of the publishing industry and icons of New York City’s cultural and literary circles.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Mendoza represents a fundamental (and drastic) upgrade at QB.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbols.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbols. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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