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

That combination both literally and figuratively symbolizes how the program has risen. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026

From past to present On Friday, the event began with a procession symbolizing the ways the historic congregation has continued a multigenerational fight for education, faith and freedom. — Nancy Jiang, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

On Friday, the event began with a procession symbolizing the ways the historic congregation has continued a multigenerational fight for education, faith, and freedom. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

At the event, people handed out red flags, symbolizing their desire for bloody vengeance. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 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