symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly symbolical
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the first time since the 1980s, the Islamic Republic faced a direct military assault from another regional power that targeted not only its military assets, but the symbolic and political heart of the regime itself. Sanam Vakil, Time, 26 June 2025 Iran’s retaliatory strike was meant to be symbolic, while leaving an exit ramp open for all sides, the Times reported. Christina Wilkie,kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 23 June 2025 The move was also a symbolic end to an intense battle between Shawe and his former fiancée, cofounder and business partner of more than 25 years, Liz Elting. Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 All these factors may lead observers to conclude that any Iranian response to the United States’ bombing will be limited or only symbolic. Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolic was in 1610

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Cite this Entry

“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective
sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
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
symbolically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolic

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