symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

sə-ˈme-trik 

1

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry

2

: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane

symmetrical curves

3

symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth

symmetric equations

R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa

4

a

: capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves

symmetrical plant parts

b

: having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves

symmetrical flowers

5

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

symmetrical rash

6

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

sə-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

symmetricalness

sə-ˈme-tri-kəl-nəs 

noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dotted across Saudi Arabia’s dark green home jersey are symmetrical lavender squares or diamond shapes, a tribute to doorway decoration — namely geometric, triangular architecture — commonly seen in homes in the kingdom. —Steve Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

The cake is the centerpiece, its symmetrical lines and buttercream swirls glowing in firelight. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Unlike many symmetrical cuts, the pear shape has a distinctive sense of direction, creating movement and lending a stronger visual identity. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 17 June 2026

In this primary bath, the traditional, warm brass racks from designer Joseph Giles make a beautiful, symmetrical statement. —Sophie Aliece Hollis, Martha Stewart, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for symmetrical

• obstetrical
• asymmetrical
• diametrical
• geometrical
• unsymmetrical
• metrical
• trigonometrical

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or showing symmetry

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl 

variants or symmetric

-trik 

: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as

a

: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly

a symmetrical rash

b

: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula

especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule

symmetrically

-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb