symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Hunt said the ring Green created with Dallas jeweler Lyles DeGrazier is full of symbolism.
—
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
In a social media post, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drew on the symbolism of Easter, the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
Engagement rings are becoming more personal than ever, with couples embracing customization, symbolism, and even zodiac signs to find styles that reflect their individuality.
—Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Depp poured a bit of his heart into the bottle by designing it himself and incorporating symbolism inspired by his tattoos, personal philosophy and the three loves of his life, ex-wife Vanessa Paradis and their children, Lily Rose-Depp and Jack Depp.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
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Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
In a social media post, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drew on the symbolism of Easter, the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Apr. 2026
Engagement rings are becoming more personal than ever, with couples embracing customization, symbolism, and even zodiac signs to find styles that reflect their individuality.
—Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026
Depp poured a bit of his heart into the bottle by designing it himself and incorporating symbolism inspired by his tattoos, personal philosophy and the three loves of his life, ex-wife Vanessa Paradis and their children, Lily Rose-Depp and Jack Depp.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
Cite this Entry
“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the art or practice of using symbols
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
