as in symbolic
having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else
a computer program with representational icons for different functions
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Recent Examples of representational
This means that representational alignment may be a solvable problem and a step toward addressing broader alignment challenges.
—
Arryn Robbins, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Included are a variety of abstract, representational, landscapes, seascapes and whimsical pieces, some of which have a specific meaning, McCabe said.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The piece is entirely presentational, with minimal representational actions taking place between the brothers.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
But the sight of a Jew excelling in sports is even more than a bit of representational inspiration.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
When attention is this constrained, dedicating visual bandwidth to representational cues necessarily displaces something else.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
As that might lead you to expect, there’s not much to be wildly enthused about here, past the representational plane.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Measurements of representational similarity invariably involve a host of experimental choices that can affect the outcome.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
Today, this kind of progress is most often depicted by representational politics, the idea that the representation of a minority group or of women in positions of power and privilege are indicators of progress.
—Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
Arryn Robbins, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2026
Included are a variety of abstract, representational, landscapes, seascapes and whimsical pieces, some of which have a specific meaning, McCabe said.
—Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The piece is entirely presentational, with minimal representational actions taking place between the brothers.
—David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
But the sight of a Jew excelling in sports is even more than a bit of representational inspiration.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
When attention is this constrained, dedicating visual bandwidth to representational cues necessarily displaces something else.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 7 Feb. 2026
As that might lead you to expect, there’s not much to be wildly enthused about here, past the representational plane.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Measurements of representational similarity invariably involve a host of experimental choices that can affect the outcome.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026
Today, this kind of progress is most often depicted by representational politics, the idea that the representation of a minority group or of women in positions of power and privilege are indicators of progress.
—Literary Hub, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representational
Adjective
-
The joint march across the Tower Bridge in front of the state Capitol marked a symbolic moment of a unified effort to urge education reform not just in the capital city, but throughout the state.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
At the center of VNCCII’s mythology is the Tuning Fork, a symbolic tool that represents alignment with Source.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Klein has support from the Central Council of Jews in Germany, a representative body whose 100,000 members comprise about half of the total Jews living in Germany.—
Shira Li Bartov,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
-
When women participate in political life—as voters, candidates, and decision-makers—institutions become more representative and responsive.—
Celina Stewart,
Time,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Representational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representational. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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