Synonyms of symbolic

symbolic

adjective

sim-ˈbä-lik 

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

• representative
• representational
• emblematic
• metaphoric
• figurative
• figural
• tropological
• allegorical

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• actual
• literal
• nonsymbolic

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of symbolic

The shift to renting versus owning is also symbolic of darker currents in the tech industry. — Damon Beres, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

The commercial pairing of the 18 and 18e creates a symbolic link between the two handsets in much the same way as the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will exhibit in September. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The action, while largely symbolic, also puts on record the guild’s support for both of the pending anti-trust lawsuits filed by the Writers Guild of America and a group of states’ attorneys general to block the merger. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 27 July 2026

Begin at Chinggis Khaan Square, the symbolic heart of the city, before visiting the impressive Chinggis Khaan National Museum of Mongolia. — Undraa Buyannemekh, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026