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

If previous protests had been specific to United, the widespread unrest that broke out in spring 2021 was emblematic of a wider rage sweeping across English football. —Chris McKenna, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

During the administration of former strongman Nicolás Maduro, El Helicoide became one of the most emblematic symbols of political repression in Venezuela. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

That restrained use of color and geometry feels emblematic of Milan, a city that prizes substance over flash. —Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 30 Jan. 2026

Here, at the gateway to the capital’s most emblematic avenue, history, commerce, culture, and daily life converge. —María Casbas, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Jan. 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