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
Meanwhile, the National Museum of African American History and Culture notes that, in America, the shell is thought to be a totem used to resist enslavement.
—
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have emerged as the homegrown totem in recent seasons, but 45 academy players were given first-team debuts during the German’s nine seasons as manager.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024
Crafted in metal, mesh, stones and pipe cleaners, these delicate headpieces have the mystique of totems.
—Harriet Quick, theweek, 17 July 2024
Once they’re taken down, the totem will be charged, and you’re given the chance to fight a harder version of the same enemy wave to improve the rewards of the whole encounter.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for totem 
Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025
Trent Alexander-Arnold may have emerged as the homegrown totem in recent seasons, but 45 academy players were given first-team debuts during the German’s nine seasons as manager.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024
Crafted in metal, mesh, stones and pipe cleaners, these delicate headpieces have the mystique of totems.
—Harriet Quick, theweek, 17 July 2024
Once they’re taken down, the totem will be charged, and you’re given the chance to fight a harder version of the same enemy wave to improve the rewards of the whole encounter.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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Noah’s house, restored in the story as a symbol of love and devotion, mirrors the antebellum-era mansions that line the waterfront.—
Becca Blond,
AFAR Media,
10 Feb. 2025
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The show was centered on a large-scale painting that presents a counter-history of Mexican identity blending symbols of a hyper-masculinized past with that of an industrialized future.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These claims stem from a misunderstanding of digital design elements rather than an actual modification of the national emblem.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
6 Feb. 2025
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But the giant panda hasn’t always been an emblem of the Chinese nation.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Upon entering, there is a Batman logo at the door as well as a soothing water feature that sets the tone for the inspiration behind the house.—
Emma Reynolds,
Robb Report,
18 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, Berrios accompanied his girlfriend in a Fendi sweater covered in the brand’s logo.—
Marissa Muller,
WWD,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The pause came as President Trump has been elbowing Powell to keep cutting rates to spur economic growth, reviving tensions between the White House and the Fed that were a hallmark of Trump’s first term.—
The Hill Staff,
The Hill,
11 Feb. 2025
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Coming back late and pulling off close wins seemed to have been a hallmark of the Chiefs' season.—
Chantz Martin,
Fox News,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Pat Riley’s three-peat trademarks could have led to the Miami Heat president getting a sizable payday if the Kansas City Chiefs had won their third consecutive Super Bowl.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2025
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Storm recently filed for two trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
13 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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