iconic

[ahy-kon-ik] / aɪˈkɒn ɪk /

ADJECTIVE

emblematic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

archetypal epochal exemplary

STRONG

paradigmatic quintessential recognizable

WEAK

classical historic ideal important prototypical representative seminal supreme traditional

Antonyms

STRONGEST

atypical

STRONG

unrecognizable

WEAK

unimportant untraditional

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.

In 2004, the Flaming Lips created an iconic Coachella moment when singer Wayne Coyne traveled over the crowd in a giant inflatable ball.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Hundreds of people passed by, carrying shopping bags or stopping to take selfies with the Art Institute’s iconic lion statues.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

The iconic photograph taken by astronaut William Anders captured the bright blue Earth against the vast darkness of space, with the Moon's cratered surface in the foreground.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Pelosi also raised a concern echoed by other San Francisco politicians, that turning Alcatraz back into a functioning prison would mean the loss of an iconic landmark.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But he’s funny as hell up there—sinking to his knees, grasping his head, moaning—and I don’t want to oversell it or anything, but this just may be the most iconic performance of all time.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli