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
Synonyms of symbolic
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 is due not only to how Mihai and cinematographer Marius Panduru control the frame’s chaotic movement, but to the realism with which the entire production is rendered, from the designs of its costumes and spaces, to the performances that sit effortlessly between naturalistic and symbolic.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
That day, combined with an indigo blue dress, Máxima perfectly understood the symbolic weight of the royal jewelry box.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
The five plaintiffs, who live in Florida, other parts of the United States and Spain, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages from Quero Silva, but their lawsuit may end up being more symbolic than financially rewarding.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Some common cases presented to non-specialty clinics include tasks delegated to technicians that can be performed by doctors with limited or symbolic hands-on involvement, wide variations in surgical experience, and inconsistent or informal training structures.
—Daniel Fusch, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
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Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
That day, combined with an indigo blue dress, Máxima perfectly understood the symbolic weight of the royal jewelry box.
—Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
The five plaintiffs, who live in Florida, other parts of the United States and Spain, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages from Quero Silva, but their lawsuit may end up being more symbolic than financially rewarding.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Some common cases presented to non-specialty clinics include tasks delegated to technicians that can be performed by doctors with limited or symbolic hands-on involvement, wide variations in surgical experience, and inconsistent or informal training structures.
—Daniel Fusch, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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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