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

Dressed in an Anna Valentine midi frock, Queen Camilla added the same ballerina brooch to her attire, a symbolic reference and show of reverence for the historic dance company. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

The pardons are largely symbolic as none of the names listed were ever charged with federal crimes. —NPR, 11 Nov. 2025

Special attention was paid to the placement of city names, numbers, and logos for both aesthetic and symbolic value, and Bennett couldn’t be more pleased with how things turned out. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2025

In 2015, Renault bought Lotus for a symbolic £1. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 11 Nov. 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