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

• 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

This card often symbolizes new beginnings that emerge from emotional clarity. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025

The redesign symbolized how a product or place can regenerate rather than deplete. —Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

This event symbolizes the enduring friendship between Monaco and Japan. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 27 June 2025

China leads the world in high-speed rail development and the project symbolizes deepening infrastructure cooperation between the countries. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

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

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