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

The result was a grand celebration attended by approximately 60,000 fans (according to Ocesa), symbolizing the bonds of friendship between South Korea and Mexico. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 26 Sep. 2026

Melanson said Flock cameras have come to symbolize the threats to privacy. — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026

Kaporos is intended to symbolize the transfer of one’s sins to a chicken. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

Volkswagen has fallen out of the blue chip Euro Stoxx 50 index in a move symbolizing the deep struggles facing Europe's automotive sector. — Sean Conlon,justina Lee,sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Sep. 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