symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbä-lik 
variants
or less commonly symbolical
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3
: characterized by or terminating in symbols
symbolic thinking
4
: characterized by symbolism
a symbolic dance
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
This delay means that younger Gen Xers and Millennials, who may have already navigated significant financial milestones—like buying a home or sending kids to college—without that anticipated boost, may find inheritances to be more symbolic than transformative.
—
Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Many experts say no — despite the opposition’s vow to file a complaint with the Organization of American States, a move that may be more symbolic than substantial.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Although the Polish president is nominally symbolic, the president does wield the power to veto legislation passed by parliament, which could derail the incumbent government's domestic agenda if the president is of a different party from the prime minister.
—Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Once thought to only be for defense, these walls now represent a plethora of functions, including administrative, territorial, and symbolic.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
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Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Many experts say no — despite the opposition’s vow to file a complaint with the Organization of American States, a move that may be more symbolic than substantial.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
Although the Polish president is nominally symbolic, the president does wield the power to veto legislation passed by parliament, which could derail the incumbent government's domestic agenda if the president is of a different party from the prime minister.
—Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025
Once thought to only be for defense, these walls now represent a plethora of functions, including administrative, territorial, and symbolic.
—Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbäl-ik
variants
also symbolical
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
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