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totem

[toh-tuhm] / ˈtoʊ təm /
NOUN
pole
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Fashioning your lead actor as a totem to project your thoughts about apathy and loneliness would be a risky move for anyone other than writer-director Amanda Kramer, who’s made a career out of brazen chicness.

From Salon Jun. 10, 2026

Cinematographer Tim Ives snatches his rare opportunities to shoot the beautiful scenery, but most of the pair’s encounters take place in or near Ledger’s orange pickup truck, a totem from the book.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 12, 2026

His sculptures, composed of stacked forms and glazed in natural colors, bring to mind chimneys, duct work and totem poles.

From The Wall Street Journal Feb. 27, 2026

"It is a totem of celebration for Chinese people and people around the world," he said.

From Barron's Feb. 13, 2026

When the salmon run finished several weeks later, Cole danced their dance and carved their figure into his totem.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen

A pair of blue totems from 2016 are built upon an amalgamation of numerous smaller objects, the process and monochromatic finish indebted to Louise Nevelson.

From The Wall Street Journal May 22, 2026

Turner, who died Wednesday at age 87, elbowed his way to the forefront of modern television by prioritizing profit over deeper questions about whether certain cultural totems should be held sacrosanct.

From Salon May 8, 2026

Down here in Australia there's a world of awe-inspiring wonders to behold, natural and man-made totems so stunning they can make your jaw drop to the floor.

From BBC Jun. 27, 2025

What Lévi-Strauss concluded about totems can be applied to dioramas, too.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 4, 2024

Standing beside the totems, he explained to Peter that being invisible was being a part of fife’s circle and accepting it.

From "Touching Spirit Bear" by Ben Mikaelsen




Vocabulary lists containing totem


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