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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representational
Adjective
-
The Cockroach Janta Party has also encouraged demonstrators to bring different symbolic props to the site each day.
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The vote was largely symbolic but appeared to mollify the president, who earlier in the day canceled a ceremonial signing of a bipartisan housing bill to exert pressure on the Senate to pass an unrelated election law bill.
Adjective
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And yet all three dads, simply by being there, were representative of a larger trend.
-
If there is no representative payee, Social Security may choose to suspend benefits until a payee is appointed.
Cite this Entry
“Representational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representational. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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