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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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 Various governments have tried to impose consequences on Israel, largely through symbolic measures. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 On a symbolic level, though, the Coldcard breach matters a lot. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Their combined opposition therefore represents more than a symbolic challenge. — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Markle has worn these butterflies on several occasions as a symbolic tribute to her late mother-in-law. — Valentine Ulgu-Servant, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

Melissa, who affectionately calls her daughters Big Sis and Lil Sis online, says that the fairy holding an open book in her lap is representative of her older daughter who loves to read.

— Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
In other news, Infor has named a president and representative director for Infor Japan, which comes at a time when companies there are turning to tech solutions to address various issues, including supply chain disruptions.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

So what better way to counter decades of representational flattening than with a show whose central characters are young Londoners who share that label but little besides it—and then throw them together in a punk band?

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of representational

Adjective

Britain’s largest church was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott—the inventor of the emblematic red telephone booth—in the early 20th century.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Office buildings and retail corridors emptied out, while San Francisco became emblematic of the challenges facing post-pandemic cities, such as an increase in street homelessness and a surge in petty crime.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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