symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms of symbolize

• represent

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

The creature has become a metaphor in the AI world, symbolizing the uncertainty around how AI models work under the hood. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

One design change symbolizing this connection between what has come before and what lies ahead is the redesign of an iconic KVIFF space. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Hidden within the sculpture is a cutout shaped like the African continent, symbolizing Parker’s connection to Black culture and history. — J.m. Banks june 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol