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
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
Foods of symbolic significance are consumed, while prayers and traditional recitations are performed.
—
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
But there’s symbolic resonance in the idea that cycles of abuse are self-perpetuating.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
Despite being primarily an R&D tool, the original Atlas still played an important symbolic role, acting as a technical ceiling for what other bipedal robots could achieve.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024
The nuptials were full of symbolic moments, Alexia told Us Weekly at the time.
—Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Aside from a few symbolic retaliatory strikes, the Biden response has been muted.
—The Editors, National Review, 14 Apr. 2024
The resurgence of blood as political metaphor in the United States draws upon these deep wells of symbolic power, copiously though not consistently.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
The change in statute not only has tangible benefits for LGBTQ+ Kansans but also has significant symbolic value as Kansas lawmakers continue to advance anti-transgender legislation, Riffel said.
—Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024
Its cumulative passed the symbolic $80 million mark.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
But there’s symbolic resonance in the idea that cycles of abuse are self-perpetuating.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
Despite being primarily an R&D tool, the original Atlas still played an important symbolic role, acting as a technical ceiling for what other bipedal robots could achieve.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024
The nuptials were full of symbolic moments, Alexia told Us Weekly at the time.
—Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Aside from a few symbolic retaliatory strikes, the Biden response has been muted.
—The Editors, National Review, 14 Apr. 2024
The resurgence of blood as political metaphor in the United States draws upon these deep wells of symbolic power, copiously though not consistently.
—Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024
The change in statute not only has tangible benefits for LGBTQ+ Kansans but also has significant symbolic value as Kansas lawmakers continue to advance anti-transgender legislation, Riffel said.
—Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024
Its cumulative passed the symbolic $80 million mark.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolic.' 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
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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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