symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
symbolizer noun

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Back in June, Offerman responded to conservative media figure Michael Flynn Jr., who used a gif of Ron throwing a computer in a dumpster in a Parks and Rec episode to symbolize his disdain for Pride Month. Victoria Edel, People.com, 14 July 2025 The raid captured national attention, with Peanut's death symbolizing an out-of-control local government to some. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 12 July 2025 Besides this, there’s also a more symbolic reason why Koreans eat tofu after getting out of jail: its white color is believed to symbolize purity, innocence and a fresh start. Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 But at the literal last minute, the film undergoes an unexpected tonal shift with the introduction of Jimmy (Jack O’Connell), a character who symbolizes a Britishness very different from the Heritage fantasy. Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolize

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

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