variants also symbolical
as in representational
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

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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 Nonetheless, the guilt that so many workers do feel may be symbolic of broader issues: an unhealthy workplace culture, a toxic boss or a weak social safety net. Karen Tan, The Conversation, 11 July 2025 Dozens of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants began handing over weapons in a ceremony in a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, officials said, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkey. Reuters, NBC news, 11 July 2025 Besides this, there’s also a more symbolic reason why Koreans eat tofu after getting out of jail: its white color is believed to symbolize purity, innocence and a fresh start. Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 But this one seems to have a particular symbolic significance. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
representative
Adjective
  • Results experienced by individuals may not be representative of the experience of other clients, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
    Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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