iconic
Culturally etched forever
Iconic describes something that has become a widely recognized symbol or representation of a particular time, place, or idea.
An iconic photograph or iconic moment captures something essential and memorable.
The word derives from icon, originally a religious image, but now iconic rarely carries religious weight—it simply means emblematic or unmistakably representative.
Overuse has diluted its force; nearly anything popular or distinctive gets called iconic, from iconic songs to iconic sneakers.
Luminous astronomical object
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- famousWidely known, much recognized
- recognizableAble to be identified
- glamorousAlluringly stylish and exciting
charismatic · captivating · enigmatic · tabloid · paparazzi · red carpet · A-list · household name
Representing the ideal type
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
- definitiveSettling a question finally
classic · signature · hallmark · paradigm · touchstone · benchmark · prototype · model
Famous beyond ordinary measure
- mythicOf ancient lore
- storiedCelebrated in legend
- immortalizedMade permanently remembered
- celebratedWidely known and praised
renowned · famed · acclaimed · illustrious · venerated · seminal · pioneering · influential
Structure honoring someone remembered
- skylineUrban profile against atmosphere
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- recognizableAble to be identified
- photographedTaken a picture of
postcard · tourist attraction · destination · architecture · edifice · structure · facade · famous
Of lasting excellence
- enduringPersisting through time
- agelessWithout apparent deterioration
- eternalLasting without end
- immortalCannot die
perennial · everlasting · time-honored · unforgettable · memorable · vintage · nostalgic · retro
star
Luminous astronomical object
- superstarExceptionally famous performer
- famousWidely known, much recognized
- recognizableAble to be identified
glamorous · charismatic · captivating · enigmatic · tabloid · paparazzi · red carpet · A-list · household name · megastar
quintessential
Representing the ideal type
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- archetypeOriginal model for copies
- exemplarTypical perfect instance
definitive · classic · signature · hallmark · paradigm · touchstone · benchmark · prototype · model · ideal
legendary
Famous beyond ordinary measure
- mythicOf ancient lore
- storiedCelebrated in legend
- immortalizedMade permanently remembered
celebrated · renowned · famed · acclaimed · illustrious · venerated · seminal · pioneering · influential · groundbreaking
monument
Structure honoring someone remembered
- skylineUrban profile against atmosphere
- silhouetteFilled-in outline shape
- recognizableAble to be identified
photographed · postcard · tourist attraction · destination · architecture · edifice · structure · facade · famous · sightseeing
classic
Of lasting excellence
immortal · perennial · everlasting · time-honored · unforgettable · memorable · vintage · nostalgic · retro · staying power
symbol
Representational mark or sign
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
- motifRecurring thematic element
- representationDepiction or likeness
signifier · figurative · metaphor · allegory · totem · badge · insignia · logo · imagery · semiotics
- Popularitypopular, fame, famous, trending, viral
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- classicmasterpiece, legend, gem, timeless, vintage
- legendarylegendary, mythic, heroic, immortal, titan
- special qualitiesunique, rare, exclusive, exceptional, extraordinary
- fashion slanglewk, drip, slay, fierce, serve
iconicunknown
Not yet discovered
obscure · unrecognizable · anonymous · unfamiliar · unheard-of
iconicinsignificant
Lacking importance or consequence
unimportant · trivial · inconsequential · meaningless · forgettable
iconicgeneric
Not brand-name
ordinary · unremarkable · nondescript · forgettable · commonplace
- fashion iconCelebrated arbiter of dress
- national iconEmblematic figure of country
- pop iconUniversally recognized music celebrity
- cultural iconWidely recognized symbolic figure
- gay iconFigure revered by LGBTQ community
- style iconsInfluential dressers people emulate
icon, iconoclast, icons, iconography, iconoclasm, iconoclastic, iconically, iconographic