symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
symbolizer noun

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web The figures symbolize unending optimism, perpetually in pursuit of the whimsical and radiant aspects of life, with their ever-present cup representing a love for life’s offerings. Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 In turn, over the years, the sound has also come to symbolize the shift in my skin from oily-in-the-t-zone to completely parched. Dianna Mazzone, Allure, 29 Nov. 2023 Lucid established Saudi’s first car assembly line in September, symbolizing a foray into the auto industry. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2023 The infants have captured global attention, coming to symbolize what Israel’s critics call the recklessness of its assault, and the heavy toll that has fallen on the most vulnerable since the military began pounding Gaza. Michael Levenson, New York Times, 20 Nov. 2023 Both creatures are viewed as hard to find, according to the local folklore, but locating both is seen to symbolize the end of conflict. Michael Lee, Fox News, 12 Nov. 2023 Pope Francis on Saturday ordered the removal of the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. CBS News, 11 Nov. 2023 As a general and eventual emperor, Napoleon wore the cockade to symbolize his own revolutionary leadership. Jenny Goldsberry, Washington Examiner, 19 Nov. 2023 Ahead of Columbia’s anniversary celebration on Jan. 10, 2024, the new logo has an enhanced glow to the torch to symbolize the vibrancy of the Hollywood studio’s history, Sony said in a statement. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near symbolize

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

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