emblematic

adjective

em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈma-tik 

variants or less commonly emblematical

ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-kəl 

: of, relating to, or constituting an emblem : symbolic, representative

emblematically

ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of emblematic

• symbolic
• representative

Examples of emblematic in a Sentence

the dove is emblematic of the organization's mission to bring some peace to a troubled world

Recent Examples on the Web

Peters became a figure whose actions were not just unlawful but emblematic of broader threats to democratic norms. —Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

And there is no setting more emblematic of freedom—and its discontents—than the campus, where tenure is supposed to protect the intellectual liberty of faculty and students living independently for the first time try on new ideas and identities. —Judy Berman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026

Within intercollegiate athletics, Luck’s multitasking is both distinctive and emblematic. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 5 Mar. 2026

For fans of true crime, Raftery has written a fascinating biography and origin story about one of pop culture’s most emblematic serial killers, and his lasting bite on society. —Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin emblēmaticus, from emblēmat-, emblēma emblem entry 1 + -icus -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for emblematic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic

Kids Definition

emblematic

adjective

em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈmat-ik 

variants also emblematical

-ˈmat-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, or serving as an emblem : symbolic