symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
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 adverb
symmetricalness noun

Examples of symmetrical in a Sentence

The human body is symmetrical.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The layout of the property feels undeniably symmetrical from the sleek white marble walkway paths to the lush green Zen gardens (created by landscape architect Karl Princic) that blanket the property. Nicole Brewer, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2025 In a similar pattern like chevrons, the effect is symmetrical, suggesting balance. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Skewed Distributions: Not All Data Is Symmetrical A perfectly symmetrical dataset means the mean, median, and mode are identical. Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 If the bezel is smaller on the new phone, the front screen will also be slightly larger, and the front design will look more symmetrical. Joe Hindy, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for symmetrical

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symmetrical was in 1653

Cite this Entry

“Symmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetrical. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or showing symmetry
symmetrically adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: 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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symmetrical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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