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

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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 Various governments have tried to impose consequences on Israel, largely through symbolic measures. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 On a symbolic level, though, the Coldcard breach matters a lot. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Their combined opposition therefore represents more than a symbolic challenge. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Markle has worn these butterflies on several occasions as a symbolic tribute to her late mother-in-law. — Valentine Ulgu-Servant, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z adults say their generation faces tougher economic circumstances than previous generations, according to a nationally representative Urban Institute survey published in July.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Psychologists Kyle Bourassa, David Sbarra and Mark Whisman used data from the nationally representative Midlife in the United States study to examine marital quality and later life satisfaction.

— Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

So what better way to counter decades of representational flattening than with a show whose central characters are young Londoners who share that label but little besides it—and then throw them together in a punk band?

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of representational

Adjective

Britain’s largest church was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott—the inventor of the emblematic red telephone booth—in the early 20th century.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Office buildings and retail corridors emptied out, while San Francisco became emblematic of the challenges facing post-pandemic cities, such as an increase in street homelessness and a surge in petty crime.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of emblematic

Browse Nearby Words

symboled

symbolic

symboling

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“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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