representational

Definition of representationalnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 representational Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the show was celebrated for its representational milestones both in front and behind the camera for the entirety of its three season run. Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 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. Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 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. Ronda Racha Penrice, VIBE.com, 4 June 2026 Soon, this recognition stretched to include representational painting by younger Black artists, as museums, galleries, and collectors still more clearly signaled their progressive intent. Katy Siegel, Artforum, 2 June 2026 Adapting their identities, behaviors, and social realities to the representational limits of machines. Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 Her own work moves between evocative and representational — but there’s always a thread. The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 14 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representational
Adjective
  • Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight).
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Jordan Smith Councilors rejected a symbolic demand for reforms at the Indy office that targets the root causes of violent crime, after a recent audit found oversight lapses and potential conflicts of interest while the spending rose.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Leveraging a representative hero of the Revolution to lay claim to an equal share in America is itself something of an American tradition, encompassing such figures as Tadeusz Kościuszko, Crispus Attucks, Deborah Sampson, and Haym Salomon.
    Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.
    Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Representational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representational. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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