variants
also symbolical
as in representative
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of symbolic
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave each Knicks player a symbolic key to the city.
—
Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
In a symbolic step for the project, community members gathered on May 31 under a tent on the land for a foundation stone laying ceremony.
—Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Staunovo added that gold often carries symbolic significance as a national asset, creating an additional incentive to keep reserves at home.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Spectators witness not simply athletic competition but symbolic demonstrations of courage and endurance.
—Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Holly Yan, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
In a symbolic step for the project, community members gathered on May 31 under a tent on the land for a foundation stone laying ceremony.
—Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
Staunovo added that gold often carries symbolic significance as a national asset, creating an additional incentive to keep reserves at home.
—Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Spectators witness not simply athletic competition but symbolic demonstrations of courage and endurance.
—Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
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This is not a representative government when less than 5% of the voting population selected the winner in a closed primary.—
Susan Lee,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
-
Language models can over-index on patterns that seem significant but aren't representative—a form of hallucination that looks like insight.—
Polina Beletskaya,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
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For much of her defining run, Lizzo was emblematic of an idyllic extramusical experiment, her songs a wellspring for yas queen enthusiasm.—
Sheldon Pearce,
NPR,
16 June 2026
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The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a monastery with emblematic golden domes, is venerated by both the Russian and Ukrainian wings of the Orthodox Church as one of their most important spiritual centers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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