tombstone

noun

ˈtüm-ˌstōn How to pronounce tombstone (audio)
Definition of tombstonenext
as in monument
a shaped stone laid over or erected near a grave and usually bearing an inscription to identify and preserve the memory of the deceased the historic cemetery's many tombstones marking the graves of children are telling reminders of the harshness of pioneer life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 tombstone The exhibition for its Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition is dominated by tombstone labels. — Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026 The veil of past and present, for example, takes an abstract turn in Altar I, while Todos los santos (Para subir al Cielo) shows a cemetery with various cross-shaped tombstones, with a ladder leaning on a wall spectrally overlaid on the image. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026 Well, James organized a Halloween party later that year that included decorations referencing the comeback from 3-1 down, and tombstone cookies with Curry and Klay Thompson’s names on them. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 And on April 19, congregants toured Pensacola’s Jewish cemetery, where the oldest tombstone dates from 1874 and many inscriptions are in Hebrew and German as well as English. — Larry Luxner, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tombstone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tombstone
  1. monument
  2. stone
  3. plaque
Noun
  • All over the globe, whether in distant seaports, capitals, mega-cities, villages, town squares, or central parks, prominent monuments to various individuals from history are featured.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • Visitors can also learn about the cemetery’s historic monuments, artistic stone carvings and the preservation efforts that help protect the important cultural resource.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of monument
Noun
  • The primary suite occupies its own wing and comes complete with dual baths — one with stone and steam, the other with a soaking tub — a sun deck and private coffee bar.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • The entire lobby level, from its white stone flooring and pillars, to the planter boxes that (barely) separate the lounge from the entrance, drips in understated opulence.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Definition of stone
Noun
  • The plaque on the bridge uses the possessive form, but all official digital records omit it.
    — Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • Across its 55,000-square-foot footprint, the $24 million building is composed of a learning center and classrooms, company orderly rooms, battalion planning space and secure equipment storage — and carries a plaque honoring the state’s 30th governor.
    — Kevin Fixler June 26, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026
Definition of plaque

Browse Nearby Words

tombs
tombstone
tombstones
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Cite this Entry

“Tombstone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tombstone. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tombstone

Nglish: Translation of tombstone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tombstone

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