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
The dress fetched more than $125,000 at auction, cementing its status as a totem of the couple’s early years.
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Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 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
As for accessories, Johansson made her totem necklace — with aquamarine, brown moonstone and orange moonstone — by David Webb the statement jewelry piece of her look.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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Safavi said symbols of the state have been targeted nationwide.—
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More importantly, the Venezuelan people deserve the chance to rebuild their society without fear and without being reduced to symbols in someone else's geopolitical argument.—
Noun
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What was once associated with rebellion or niche subcultures has now blossomed into a lifestyle emblem that’s stylish, health-conscious, and culturally significant.—
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He is elevated, isolated, burdened, deified--positioned as an emblem.—
Noun
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Oversized logos are giving way to cleaner, understated layers.—
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And don’t be surprised by the resurfacing of sexy power suits, bold logos, and Matrix-esque cyberpunk chic—looks that dominated runways and red carpets in the late ‘90s, which was the last time Saturn was in the sign of the Ram.—
Noun
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But bitter infighting has also been its hallmark.—
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Bell Buckle This town lives up to its positively adorable name with all the hallmarks of a nostalgic Southern community.—
Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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