symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms of symbolize

• represent

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 rite symbolizes the deceased's final departure from the world of the living and helps the family come to terms with the loss. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

The vacant warehouses that had once symbolized Wynwood’s decline started transfoming into art studios and galleries. — Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

In China and other East Asian countries, the Harvest Moon is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the full moon traditionally symbolizes reunion and togetherness. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The result was a grand celebration attended by approximately 60,000 fans (according to Ocesa), symbolizing the bonds of friendship between South Korea and Mexico. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol