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

• emblematize
• 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 presidential trip would symbolize a U.S. commitment to a new kind of relationship with Africa – one based on furthering mutual security and economic interests while respecting African nations’ pursuit of independent paths, including deepening ties with other powers. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 May 2024

Protesters compared their struggle for divestment to the struggles for divestment from South Africa in the 1980s, when demonstrators set up a shanty on campus in Ann Arbor to symbolize the sufferings of Black people under apartheid rule. —Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 21 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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