symbolic gesture
noun
: an act that has no purpose or effect other than to show support, respect, etc.
The president's visit was mainly a symbolic gesture.
Examples of symbolic gesture in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1884, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the U.S. by the French in a ceremony in Paris as a symbolic gesture of friendship between the two nations.
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The Arizona Republic, 3 July 2024
One hypothesis is that the Sauk thought the treaty was a symbolic gesture, an acknowledgment that now the United States, and not Britain, would be the imperial presence looming over their lives.
—Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
Some observers have argued that Iran’s April 13 drone and missile assault on Israel was a symbolic gesture.
—Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2024
Each concert will culminate with the featured musician receiving a bouquet of their favorite flowers, a symbolic gesture honoring their impact and legacy in music.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic gesture 
The Arizona Republic, 3 July 2024
One hypothesis is that the Sauk thought the treaty was a symbolic gesture, an acknowledgment that now the United States, and not Britain, would be the imperial presence looming over their lives.
—Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 June 2024
Some observers have argued that Iran’s April 13 drone and missile assault on Israel was a symbolic gesture.
—Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 1 May 2024
Each concert will culminate with the featured musician receiving a bouquet of their favorite flowers, a symbolic gesture honoring their impact and legacy in music.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic gesture
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolic gesture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near symbolic gesture
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic%20gesture. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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