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

In medieval literature the dragon’s refusal to share its wealth symbolizes chaos, greed, and the social harm caused when valuable resources are removed from circulation. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026

The bridge — which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — was named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

The Shanghai chapter at the Long Museum features three towering titanium sculptures, over 30 feet tall, symbolizing birth, growth and rebirth. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Clouds, which for the artist Biggers symbolize potential and mutability, formed the theme of the evening, hanging over dinner on the museum’s terrace in synthetic cotton and wire constructions from an event designer. — Vanessa Grigoriadis, Vanity Fair, 21 July 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