symbolize

1 of 2

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

symbolizer

2 of 2

noun

sym·​bol·​iz·​er

variants also British symboliser

-zə(r)

plural -s

: one that symbolizes : symbolist

Synonyms of symbolize

Verb

• represent

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

Verb

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America.

the flag symbolizes our country

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy's lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

One Calabria hospital had lines several hours long Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy’s lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north. — Paolo Santalucia, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

The flag’s initial design featured zigzag stripes in blue, yellow, white, red, and green on a black background; the zigzags symbolized the barriers around which people with disabilities need to maneuver. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

On TikTok or Instagram, a gesture once used to symbolize doctrine or wisdom starts to look like confidence, coolness, even swagger. — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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