variants
also symbolical
as in representative
having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else
the butterfly in the poem is symbolic of the impermanence of youth
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of symbolic
The symbolic initial rejection of Moskowitz came after Larkin had been lobbying labor union leaders against him.
—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
People attend a symbolic funeral ceremony for 61 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks that was staged in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, June 28, 2026.
—
Alex Sundby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Because this moment of homecoming is a symbolic victory for the Black Queen.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2026
People attend a symbolic funeral ceremony for 61 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks that was staged in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, June 28, 2026.
—
Alex Sundby,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).
—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
Because this moment of homecoming is a symbolic victory for the Black Queen.
—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
-
Virginia may have established a representative body, the House of Burgesses, in 1619, but the mid-century Cavalier elite continued to accept the divine right of kings as the Stuart monarchs had propounded it.
-
Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.
Adjective
-
The Semiquincentennial Commission was conjured into being by Congress back in 2016, during that long-ago summer when the Democratic Party was convening in Philadelphia and the succession of one form of representational liberalism to another seemed pretty well secure.
-
From the sitcom’s second season, Allen created an ecosystem of Black characters from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, with different ideals and goals, while showcasing both representational and aspirational models of Black excellence.
Adjective
-
The coins include the quarter, dime, nickel and penny, as well as signature coins, all with unique elements and features emblematic of the nation's milestone.
-
Just 45 minutes from downtown Mobile, Dauphin Island is Alabama's most emblematic barrier island, and one of the Gulf Coast's most beloved beach escapes.
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
