symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly symbolical
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The flag raising at the ambassador’s residence could have been more than just a symbolic move, Krummrich noted. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025 When Representation Requires Erasure Being first often means carrying the weight of symbolic representation. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Sack: A couple of important symbolic achievements came in the aftermath of this event. Samantha Balaban, NPR, 14 June 2025 And months later Musk literally was given the symbolic keys to the White House. Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolic was in 1610

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Cite this Entry

“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective
sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
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
symbolically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolic

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