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

The west is symbolic of death in mythology, but also connected to the land of Elysium, the final resting place for Greek heroes. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026

Just under 11 months later, Rodriguez decided to make a direct symbolic strike at China on their (sort of) soil. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

The decision to offer up Chassis 0 to the highest bidder, in public no less, highlights that the Luce really is symbolic of a new era for the company. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 July 2026

The symbolic landscape of Trianon Monuments like those Orbán built during his tenure are sites where complex historical narratives can be distilled to their essential elements. — Brett R. Chloupek, The Conversation, 15 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