symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
The art show paired portraits of animals that exhibit same-sex behaviors, like peacocks and flamingos, and was meant to be a commentary on how queerness has been hidden throughout history, leaving artists to use symbolism to communicate their point of view.
—
Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Make no mistake, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects have realized the president’s agenda in exquisite detail, and the building practically trembles with symbolism.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
As my son Wes aptly said, the moral of the story is that some democrats seem okay with Nazi symbolism but not a Jewish state.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Volunteer ceremony leaders are trained in the Urasenke tradition and teach the culture and symbolism of the practice at the zoo’s Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
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.
Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
Make no mistake, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects have realized the president’s agenda in exquisite detail, and the building practically trembles with symbolism.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
As my son Wes aptly said, the moral of the story is that some democrats seem okay with Nazi symbolism but not a Jewish state.
—Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 3 June 2026
Volunteer ceremony leaders are trained in the Urasenke tradition and teach the culture and symbolism of the practice at the zoo’s Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
Cite this Entry
“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the art or practice of using symbols
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
