Synonyms of icon

30 similar words

Another word for icon is idol. Other synonyms of icon are symbol, epitome, paradigm, paragon and exemplar.

Synonyms and similar words for icon

idolA cultural icon, or especially popular person.
graven imageA carved idol or representation of a god used as an object of worship.

archetype
case
beau ideal
case in pointAn example that illustrates a point.
embodiment
epitomeThe embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.
exemplarSomething fit to be imitated; an ideal, a worthy model or role model: a desirable example.
exemplification
example
exemplificatorSomething serving as an example.
Exhibit AThe foremost example, often with a negative connotation.
illustration
incarnation
instance
paradigmAn example serving as the model for such a pattern; an exceptionally good or prototypical example of a pattern or group.
prototype
quintessenceA thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype.
representative
specimen
symbolA type of noun whereby the form refers to the same entity independently of the context; a symbol arbitrarily denotes a...
ur-typeA basic, primitive, or original type; prototype.
model
paragonA person of preeminent qualities, who acts as a pattern or model for others.
pattern
template
byspel rareAn example.
eponym archaic
sample obsolete

noun An image, symbol, picture, portrait, or other representation, usually as an object of religious devotion.
noun A type of religious painting portraying a saint or scene from Scripture, often done on wooden panels.
noun A person or thing that is the best example of a certain profession or some doing.

What is another word for icon?: Icon has 30 synonyms on Word.ws, such as idol, symbol, epitome, paradigm, paragon, exemplar, quintessence and ur-type.
What does icon mean?: Icon means an image, symbol, picture, portrait, or other representation, usually as an object of religious devotion.

Adapted from Wiktionary: icon (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

Last updated: 2026-09-02

Cite this page: “Synonyms of icon.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/synonyms/icon. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.