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

Over the weekend, Khanna argued Musk should be investigated for his role in dismantling USAID as the symbolic head of the DOGE before his appointment as a special government employee expired at the end of May 2025. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2026

At a post-parade rally, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani presented each of the Knicks players, including 25-year-old McCullar, a symbolic key to New York City. — Gary Bedore june 22, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026

Owner Jennifer Haddaway said events like this are symbolic and meaningful. — Crystal McQuay, CBS News, 22 June 2026

The annual gathering marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and remains one of the most photographed and symbolic solstice events anywhere in the world. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 June 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