as in symbol
a device, design, or figure used as an identifying mark
the bald eagle, that universally recognized totem of our country
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Recent Examples of totem
In the week since Payne’s death, fans have turned the site of his passing into a makeshift shrine, laying candles, teddy bears, photos and other totems around the hotel entrance.
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Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
In 1892, French soldiers looted a number of totems and treasures from the West African kingdom of Dahomey, considering these items the spoils of victory after winning the Second Franco-Dahomean War.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024
Each piece of the totems unscrews along a central spine so that owners can connect or remove elements.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024
Discussing Peters’ return, Schaeffer gave the actor credit for adding both emotional and physical nuance to the character, describing an animal skull totem Bohner carries to ward off black magic that Peters created on set.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for totem 
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 25 Oct. 2024
In 1892, French soldiers looted a number of totems and treasures from the West African kingdom of Dahomey, considering these items the spoils of victory after winning the Second Franco-Dahomean War.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024
Each piece of the totems unscrews along a central spine so that owners can connect or remove elements.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024
Discussing Peters’ return, Schaeffer gave the actor credit for adding both emotional and physical nuance to the character, describing an animal skull totem Bohner carries to ward off black magic that Peters created on set.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for totem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for totem
Noun
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The region has long been a symbol of American exclusionary politics and border violence, but Elmaleh's 8x10 view camera approach slows down the process of witnessing and invites us into humanising moments with the many people whose livelihoods are defined by the wall's presence.Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024
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Ellis Island may be the emblematic image of twentieth-century immigration to the U.S., but this academic history argues that a more accurate symbol is that of the county jail.The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Strings of clear lights decorate Wickham’s wreath, a mélange of gleaming black and silver hubcaps bearing the emblems of all kinds of cars — Toyota, Ford, Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet and one Tesla.Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024
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Everything from handmade scissors decorated with a stork (the bird emblem of Uzbekistan signifying peace, happiness and freedom) to miniature paintings where the paint has been swapped out for coffee can be bought here.Yasemen Kaner-White, theweek, 26 Nov. 2024
Noun
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One sleeve is adorned with the classic Moncler logo, while a drawcord hood, zippered front pockets, and an adjustable hem add to the appeal of this layerable piece.Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024
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Taco Bell The logo for Taco Bell is seen on the sign outside of the fast food restaurant.Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Person of the Year, introduced in 1927, has been a hallmark of this adaptability.Mark Howard, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024
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The ability to reframe setbacks as stepping stones is a hallmark of the most inspiring leaders.Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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With their trademark charm, Sinatra and Davis inquire about their drink choice.Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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The fourth panel has only Hudson's trademark cursive writing, like lines in a ledger book, dedicating the quilt to the Native children who did not capitulate to the administrators and federal officials who carried out federal Indian boarding school policies.Adam Burke, NPR, 9 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Totem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/totem. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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