symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik 

variants or less commonly symbolical

sim-ˈbä-li-kəl 

1

a

: using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol

b

: consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol

3

: characterized by or terminating in symbols

symbolic thinking

4

: characterized by symbolism

a symbolic dance

symbolically

sim-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of symbolic

• representative
• representational
• emblematic

Examples of symbolic in a Sentence

The lighting of the candles is symbolic.

The sharing of the wine has symbolic meaning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some in anthropology take this further, describing houses and homes as social and symbolic spaces rather than merely physical structures. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Begin at Chinggis Khaan Square, the symbolic heart of the city, before visiting the impressive Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia. — Undraa Buyannemekh, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026

Its importance was largely symbolic, but the law was strengthened the next year. — USA Today, 21 July 2026

Iniesta represented Spain’s 2010 championship team, while Kempes helped lead Argentina to victory in 1978, creating a symbolic preview of the two nations preparing to meet in the final. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symbolic

• symbolic gesture
• symbolic logic

Rhymes for symbolic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• hydraulic
• phenolic
• podzolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik 

variants also symbolical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism

a symbolic meaning

symbolic art

2

: having the function or meaning of a symbol

symbolically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb