symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly symbolical
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
symbolically adverb

Examples of symbolic in a Sentence

The lighting of the candles is symbolic. The sharing of the wine has symbolic meaning.
Recent Examples on the Web In addition to its symbolic significance, a full moon boasts astronomical meaning in the cosmic world, too. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 The monks in charge of the site conducted a funeral mass for him, marking his symbolic death. Lanta Davis and Vince Reighard, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024 This is the closest the symbolic clock has ever been to midnight, a metaphor for how close humanity is to self-annihilation, according to the Bulletin, which has maintained the clock since 1947. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 The job is just to be a symbolic representation of the UK. Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 13 Mar. 2024 Everything passes, although sometimes there are delays or symbolic protest votes when delegates want to signal displeasure with controversial policies. Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 While McConnell did not mention Trump in announcing his retirement as Senate GOP leader, the move was widely seen as symbolic of the party’s shift away from the traditional conservatism McConnell represented to one beholden to Trump’s divisive brand of populism. Sara Dorn, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 So, the last time that a total solar eclipse, symbolic of new beginnings, passed over Detroit, the city was rebuilding and creating a fresh start for itself − a fun fact, if anything. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024 After all, chopping, mixing, preparing imaginary banquets, and all that pretend play—also known as symbolic or imaginative play—helps promote creative thinking, problem-solving, and independence. Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolic was in 1610

Dictionary Entries Near symbolic

Cite this Entry

“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective
sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants also symbolical
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
symbolically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolic

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