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Definition of symbolism
1 : the art or practice of using symbols especially by investing things with a symbolic meaning or by expressing the invisible or intangible by means of visible or sensuous representations: such asa : artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or statesb : the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2 : a system of symbols or representations
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Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples of symbolism from the Web
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Even without these animated visuals, there is plenty of fantasy already – as well as Masonic symbolism -- in Mozart’s final opera, a collaboration with his fellow Freemason, Emanuel Schikaneder.
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Xi’s remarks at a ceremony Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to China will cap a three-day trip rich in symbolism and heavy on security.
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There would be absolutely no issue with all this symbolism, and all the media raving, if there were concrete actions to back them up.
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The pole combines tribal tradition with modern symbolism related to suffering, curing and healing.
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We were taught about symbolism, juxtaposition, and how to use use color, shapes, and text to get a message across.
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Several local venues have symbolism for Cuban Americans, including the Bay of Pigs Museum in Little Havana and the Freedom Tower in downtown Miami.
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Owen/Cox Dance Group Bach is appreciated for his complex and cerebral fugues, theological symbolism and heart-breaking lyricism.
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To unveil President Donald Trump’s new U.S.-Cuba policy, his young administration had eyed a day brimming with symbolism: May 20, Cuban Independence Day.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symbolism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of symbolism
1654
Other Psychology Terms
SYMBOLISM Defined for English Language Learners
symbolism
playDefinition of symbolism for English Language Learners
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: the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, etc.
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: the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol
SYMBOLISM Defined for Kids
symbolism
playDefinition of symbolism for Students
1 : the use of symbols to represent an idea or quality The story was filled with symbolism.
2 : the meaning of a symbol What is the symbolism of the lion and lamb in this picture?
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about symbolism
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See words that rhyme with symbolism Spanish Central: Translation of symbolism Nglish: Translation of symbolism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of symbolism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about symbolism
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