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

• representational
• representative
• metaphorical

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

Yet the moves have mostly been symbolic and voluntary. —Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Sep. 2025

While no drones came that night, Qatari and American Patriot batteries successfully intercepted the limited and largely symbolic Iranian missile barrage on Al-Udeid. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Beyond economics, Boeing carries symbolic weight. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025

In fact, the idea of glass as symbolic of transparency in society has a precedent in German modern architecture, notably the theories of Paul Scheerbert and the architectural designs of Bruno Taut. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 9 Sep. 2025

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