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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 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
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
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share