SYMBOLICAL 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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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 The view from Ottawa Senators fans likely won’t take this news too well as Alfredsson is considered to be something of a symbolic talisman. — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 July 2026 The making of modern Florida both unmade actual flamingos and remade them on a symbolic level. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2026 Hamas’ announcement is seen as being largely symbolic, observers say, and makes no mention of the group’s disarmament — a key requirement by Israel in order for a lasting peace deal to proceed. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 6 July 2026 Thune did not speak during the meeting but scheduled a symbolic follow-up vote that evening in which two Republicans flipped their original votes. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

Leveraging a representative hero of the Revolution to lay claim to an equal share in America is itself something of an American tradition, encompassing such figures as Tadeusz Kościuszko, Crispus Attucks, Deborah Sampson, and Haym Salomon.

— Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.

— Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the show was celebrated for its representational milestones both in front and behind the camera for the entirety of its three season run.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The Semiquincentennial Commission was conjured into being by Congress back in 2016, during that long-ago summer when the Democratic Party was convening in Philadelphia and the succession of one form of representational liberalism to another seemed pretty well secure.

— Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Definition of representational

Adjective

Birkenstock noted that all three styles are offered in European sizes 35 to 42 and come in three emblematic Repetto shades — Iconic Pink, Flame Red and Profound Black.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
The most popular order throughout the fundraiser was the arepa pabellón, one of the most emblematic arepas in Venezuelan cuisine.

— Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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