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

• representational
• representative
• metaphorical

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

The costumes, designed by Dede Ayite, were subtle and yet highly symbolic, suggesting the colloquial nature of Yoruba gods, or the epic, majestic nature of our brothers. —Essence, 17 Sep. 2025

Several residents noted the symbolic impact of renaming a street adjacent to a high school that has grappled with racial tensions in the past. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

Bring An Artifact Break free from slideware and bring an artifact—something with personal or symbolic meaning that ties directly to your message. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Still, any recognition would be almost entirely symbolic. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 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