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

Dating back an astounding sixty-five years, MAD’s iconic sequential art is symbolic of today’s new cybersecurity battlefront. — Will Townsend, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Right tackle Austin Jackson returned to practice after missing the previous two practices and tight end Greg Dulcich again wore a red jersey, symbolic of no contact. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Historically, many referrals have functioned as largely symbolic reprimands. — Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Around the same time, the city board voted down a symbolic measure that would have called on Richardson to resign. — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 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