1
as in emblem
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
that ensign of tutorial authority, the hickory stick
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flag
a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as an emblem or for signaling
fittingly, the organization promoting the welfare of marine life features a dolphin on its ensign
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ensign
To the admiral’s dismay, the morning reading showed just two and a half miles traversed overnight, suggesting that the ensigns had been sleeping or resting during most of their watch.
—
Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
The next night, those same ensigns ordered an apprentice to take the watchful pedometer and shake it while the night watchmen took their normal rest.
—Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
Camp McCoy received prisoners from Europe and Asia, including the first Japanese prisoner of war, an ensign who was captured at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
—Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
The South Vietnamese flag flew high alongside ensigns for the Confederacy and MAGA and QAnon.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ensign 
Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
The next night, those same ensigns ordered an apprentice to take the watchful pedometer and shake it while the night watchmen took their normal rest.
—Jacqueline D. Wernimont, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
Camp McCoy received prisoners from Europe and Asia, including the first Japanese prisoner of war, an ensign who was captured at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
—Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2024
The South Vietnamese flag flew high alongside ensigns for the Confederacy and MAGA and QAnon.
—Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ensign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensign
Noun
-
The baby becomes an emblem of what Lynch can do: create images that live in your mind and burrow under your skin.—
Esther Zuckerman,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2025
-
The bald eagle has been a significant symbol of the United States since 1782, when it was chosen as the national emblem.—
Renan Botelho,
WWD,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In a Kennedy-esque moment, Trump spoke of planting the American flag on Mars, eliciting mixed reactions.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
-
Its audiences were known to fly Finnish flags in honor of Osmo Vänskä, who raised the orchestra to rare heights of excellence in a turbulent 19-year tenure as music director that ended in 2022.—
David Allen Jenn Ackerman,
New York Times,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The lowering of a flag is seen as a symbol of mourning, distress, or a salute to the fallen and dates back to the 17th century.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
-
In a departure from the norm, Trump forwent a smile and instead bore a similar expression to his historic 2023 mug shot, which loyal MAGA followers later embraced as the symbol of a man who could not be taken down easily.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
One of Them Days’ studio, Sony Pictures Entertainment—which released the film under its Tri-Star Pictures banner—follows more of a set pattern.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
18 Jan. 2025
-
Cynthia Robertson could be forgiven for feeling that the banner was aimed at her.—
Sharon Lerner,
ProPublica,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Make It Personal People connect with people, not logos or marketing slogans.—
Kimi Evans,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
-
Los Angeles firefighters surrounded the center-ice logo as a tribute video played on the scoreboard for all first responders and firefighters.—
Curtis Pashelka,
The Mercury News,
24 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near ensign
Cite this Entry
“Ensign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensign. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share