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

• emblematize
• 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 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

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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