variants
also symbolical
as in representative
having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else
the butterfly in the poem is symbolic of the impermanence of youth
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Recent Examples of symbolic
Whether one views baptism as a sacred religious act or simply as a symbolic commitment to change, the message being communicated is significant.
—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Another megacap tech stock has been tapped to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average , as the symbolic stock gauge continues to evolve to reflect the driving forces of the new economy.
—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
In April, the Democratic National Committee failed to pass a symbolic resolution limiting the influence of AIPAC and dark money groups, showing how the party struggles on just how to communicate with voters about Israel and the party becomes increasingly divided.
—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Four Republicans voted in favor of the concurrent resolution, which is symbolic and does not carry the force of law.
—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2026
Another megacap tech stock has been tapped to join the Dow Jones Industrial Average , as the symbolic stock gauge continues to evolve to reflect the driving forces of the new economy.
—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
24 June 2026
In April, the Democratic National Committee failed to pass a symbolic resolution limiting the influence of AIPAC and dark money groups, showing how the party struggles on just how to communicate with voters about Israel and the party becomes increasingly divided.
—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
24 June 2026
Four Republicans voted in favor of the concurrent resolution, which is symbolic and does not carry the force of law.
—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
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And yet all three dads, simply by being there, were representative of a larger trend.
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If there is no representative payee, Social Security may choose to suspend benefits until a payee is appointed.
Adjective
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The Semiquincentennial Commission was conjured into being by Congress back in 2016, during that long-ago summer when the Democratic Party was convening in Philadelphia and the succession of one form of representational liberalism to another seemed pretty well secure.
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From the sitcom’s second season, Allen created an ecosystem of Black characters from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, with different ideals and goals, while showcasing both representational and aspirational models of Black excellence.
Adjective
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The incident, and AMD’s refusal to discuss it, is emblematic of the public relations landscape that has emerged over the past two decades.
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Madden says these documents are emblematic of the compromises that formed the American Revolution.
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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