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
  • The post was originally written in response to a Vox article warning millennials were unprepared for a coming eldercare crisis, and its resurgence this July coincided with the symbolic milestone of the first boomers turning 80.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 31 July 2026
  • Last week, the House extended a symbolic rebuke to Trump by approving a resolution to curb the war with a 214 to 208 vote.
    Tiago Ventura, Time, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Those observations must have been collected month after month using stable methodology, representative samples, and rigorous quality controls.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • With a representative sample of exoplanets in the galaxy, scientists can more accurately determine if planets like Earth are rare or plentiful.
    Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Representational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representational. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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