symbolic

sym·bol·ic

adj \sim-ˈbä-lik\

Definition of SYMBOLIC

1

a : using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol b : consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol

3

: characterized by or terminating in symbols <symbolic thinking>

4

: characterized by symbolism <a symbolic dance>

— sym·bol·i·cal·ly \-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Variants of SYMBOLIC

sym·bol·ic also sym·bol·i·cal \-li-kəl\

Examples of SYMBOLIC

1. The lighting of the candles is symbolic.
2. The sharing of the wine has symbolic meaning.

First Known Use of SYMBOLIC

1610

Related to SYMBOLIC

Synonyms: emblematic (also emblematical), representational, representative

Antonyms: nonsymbolic

Related Words: figural, figurative, metaphoric (or metaphorical), tropological; allegorical

Near Antonyms: actual, literal

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Rhymes with SYMBOLIC

Aeolic, Argolic, bucolic, carbolic, embolic, Mongolic, systolic