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
In his work exist iconic signs of beloved local establishments — like the Playpen — the blinding glint reflecting off downtown’s skyline, telephone poles regarded as totems.
—
Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Her materials include those most basic elements of the earth—geology—and her forms borrow from totems, obelisks, prehistoric megaliths, and Indigenous Caribbean zeniths.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
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
Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Her materials include those most basic elements of the earth—geology—and her forms borrow from totems, obelisks, prehistoric megaliths, and Indigenous Caribbean zeniths.
—Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 7 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totems
Noun
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But the four-poster bed carved with Pica-pau’s symbols feels enchanted and protective.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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People remember chunks, patterns, and familiar symbols far better than abstract strings.—
Jay Gardiner,
Boston Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
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
-
The two became emblems of a schism.—
Gaby Del Valle,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 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
Cite this Entry
“Totems.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totems. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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