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

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

In film, this hairstyle has become emblematic, notably in Bend It Like Beckham, where Keira Knightley wears it with a short curtain crop.

— Elise Fabre, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2026
Broader trend The 25th District Democratic primary campaign is emblematic of a political transformation taking place across the country.

— Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 6 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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