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 Almost immediately, the massacre became a deeply symbolic event. — Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026 Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight). — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 Each month is associated with a specific flower, with each one often carrying a symbolic meaning. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 July 2026 Jordan Smith Councilors rejected a symbolic demand for reforms at the Indy office that targets the root causes of violent crime, after a recent audit found oversight lapses and potential conflicts of interest while the spending rose. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

The company completed development of the system after a series of live-fire evaluations in operationally representative conditions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
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

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

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 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

Example Sentences

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