totems

noun

plural of totem
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

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 totems Haring’s totems clearly express this idea. — Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026 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 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 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 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 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 Why Ketchikan matters Long before Ketchikan became a bustling fishing town and cruise port, the sheltered waterways of Southeast Alaska were home to Indigenous communities whose histories were carved into towering cedar totems. — Josh Rivera, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totems
  1. symbols
  2. emblems
  3. trademarks
Noun
  • While the Founding Fathers are often at the center of Revolutionary War history, one of the country’s most recognizable symbols is traditionally associated with an ordinary woman working from her home in Philadelphia.
    — Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Both exist in spite of the odds, symbols of perseverance and community — memorials to those who fought to establish a new country and a new state, and who happened to do it in a place that proved particularly untamable.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of symbols
Noun
  • The British brand’s suiting channeled dapper English luxury with dedicated cigar pockets on outerwear, along with mismatched velvet slippers adorned with playing card emblems.
    — Scarlett Conlon, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • However, Manfred said the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep using Pride emblems on uniforms and hats under a grandfathered exception because Los Angeles and San Francisco are home to large LGBTQ communities and both clubs wanted to show support for those fans.
    — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026
Definition of emblems
Noun
  • Her global merchandising operation is controlled by TAS Rights Management, which owns her trademarks across goods and services, and Bravado, which manufactures products under the artist’s brand.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
  • Diego Della Valle, the Tod's Group chairman, bought the Schiaparelli trademarks in 2007.
    — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of trademarks

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on totems

Nglish: Translation of totems for Spanish Speakers

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