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
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 company apologized to the duchess, who was awarded symbolic damages of £1.
—
Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
The National Council of Resistance of Iran is not symbolic or virtual.
—Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Stroheim, who shot on location, delivers a grungy and grubby story, his fanatical eye for grim detail producing a portrait of ordinary misery that assumes symbolic force.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026
Barron said the name change is symbolic and intended to highlight the city’s effort to strengthen the group.
—Mason Rouser, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 21 Jan. 2026
The National Council of Resistance of Iran is not symbolic or virtual.
—Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2026
Stroheim, who shot on location, delivers a grungy and grubby story, his fanatical eye for grim detail producing a portrait of ordinary misery that assumes symbolic force.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Jan. 2026
Barron said the name change is symbolic and intended to highlight the city’s effort to strengthen the group.
—Mason Rouser, Austin American Statesman, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
-
Elsewhere, the performance has been two-pronged, with Asia and the Middle East proving a boon for bigger players but less representative and underexplored for SMEs.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
While al-Sharaa has vowed to build a more unified and representative Syria, his rule has struggled with deep divisions and deadly sectarian clashes across the country.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As that might lead you to expect, there’s not much to be wildly enthused about here, past the representational plane.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Measurements of representational similarity invariably involve a host of experimental choices that can affect the outcome.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Jávea kept things low-rise and low-density, respectful of the surrounding nature (for many locals, the region’s emblematic, elephant head-like Montgó mountain holds mystical qualities).—
Zoë Dare Hall,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
This year’s lineup is emblematic of the kinds of films Sundance has long springboarded to box office success and awards recognition.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
