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 home functions not only as a symbolic site for intimate matters, but also as an indefinite space that could exist anywhere in the world, reflecting the sense of estrangement many people feel when moving abroad, far from their country of origin. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025

This patchwork of laws, the demonstrable technological hurdles, and the symbolic value of lunar firsts combine to create an environment of competition that could resemble past resource rushes. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025

For me, there’s something more symbolic about it. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025

What's their relationship to these symbolic characters? —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 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