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

Thune did not speak during the meeting but scheduled a symbolic follow-up vote that evening in which two Republicans flipped their original votes. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026

This ‘Statehood Quarters’ collection is so inclusive and symbolic of this great nation. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

The masks are often vibrant and colorful but sometimes intimidating, depicting superheroes, animals or other symbolic figures. — ABC News, 1 July 2026

Tying the entire house together, a dramatic clock tower crowns the space, a symbolic reminder that in this game, time is always ticking… but never predictable. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 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