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 of symbolize

• 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 departure symbolizes opportunity, even more so now that the women’s and men’s tournaments are sold separately. — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

In Linklater’s eyes, college symbolizes a fount of opportunity, a place where people can reinvent themselves, try on different identities, and embrace self-exploration. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026

The mural and restaurant name — Flower Child — are meant to symbolize freshness. — Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

China’s new strategy, symbolized by Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea in June, aims to draw Pyongyang back into its orbit and make the bilateral relationship more stable and manageable. — Zheng Jiyong, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

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