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

Artists affiliated with the Wide Awakes have adopted the original group’s open-eye iconography to symbolize the new wave of followers’ social awakening. —Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026

The diamond symbolizes strength, clarity, and enduring love. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Apr. 2026

Bronze Age symbolizes a time of change Bronze, a raw material, was skillfully manipulated to create objects that not only carried weight but also meaning. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

As the words echoed across the square, people dressed in white protective suits and face masks, symbolizing the liquidators, stood in silence holding candles. —ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026

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