SYMBOLIC Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

symbolic

adjective

sim-ˈbä-lik

variants also symbolical

Definition of symbolic

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

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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 Kardashian isn’t the first high-profile star in recent history to ask a court for a symbolic payout. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the largely symbolic measure registering opposition to the conflict. — Noah Robertson, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2026 Piddington, England — A tiny English village has voted overwhelmingly to leave the United Kingdom in a symbolic referendum triggered by government plans to house more than 1,200 male asylum seekers at a former military site nearby. — Inaya Folarin Iman, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 While dragonflies are often symbolic of transformation, adaptability, and wisdom, Godrich explains that the meaning behind the band’s name represents his and Harrison’s friendship. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

Many people avoid answering pollsters’ overtures, a reality that makes representative samples drawn from surveys alone nearly impossible.

— W. Joseph Campbell, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
An EducationWeek Research Center study conducted earlier this year found that a majority of a nationally representative sample of 753 teachers, principals and district leaders use technology between one and four hours each day.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

Increasingly, representational politics feels like dusty land that’s been dried up from single-crop farming.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
Tellingly, not one of these standout garments is plastered with logos, cheeky text, or some representational figure (festive or otherwise).

— Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of representational

Adjective

That 5-1 win was emblematic of everything that got Milwaukee to this point.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Mirazur is one such restaurant, with the menu centered on its biodynamic garden in Menton since 2020, and one salad dish becoming emblematic of that transition.

— Joel Hart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of emblematic

Browse Nearby Words

symboled

symbolic

symboling

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“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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