SYMBOLIC Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

symbolic

adjective

sim-ˈbä-lik

variants also symbolical

Definition of symbolic

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of symbolic The symbolic initial rejection of Moskowitz came after Larkin had been lobbying labor union leaders against him. — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 People attend a symbolic funeral ceremony for 61 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks that was staged in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, June 28, 2026. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight). — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Because this moment of homecoming is a symbolic victory for the Black Queen. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

Leveraging a representative hero of the Revolution to lay claim to an equal share in America is itself something of an American tradition, encompassing such figures as Tadeusz Kościuszko, Crispus Attucks, Deborah Sampson, and Haym Salomon.

— Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.

— Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the show was celebrated for its representational milestones both in front and behind the camera for the entirety of its three season run.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
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.

— Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of representational

Adjective

Birkenstock noted that all three styles are offered in European sizes 35 to 42 and come in three emblematic Repetto shades — Iconic Pink, Flame Red and Profound Black.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
The most popular order throughout the fundraiser was the arepa pabellón, one of the most emblematic arepas in Venezuelan cuisine.

— Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of emblematic

Browse Nearby Words

symboled

symbolic

symboling

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolic

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effulgence

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes