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 Budget watchdogs have been given fresh cause for concern this week as the rate on 10-year Treasuries has tipped over 5%—a symbolic benchmark for investors and economists. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 15 Sep. 2026 The initiative reinforces Embratur’s role in promoting Brazil across its multiple dimensions — touristic, cultural, economic, and symbolic — by recognizing audiovisual production as a key tool for the country’s international projection. — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026 But along with political and practical advantages of navigating through complex new airspace in a range of temperatures, Pegase 26 is highly symbolic. — Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2026 The sequence was symbolic in a game that had the feel of a 49ers family reunion. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

Adjective

From the 760 who replied, organizers randomly selected 45, adjusting for factors such as gender, education level and age to make sure the group was representative of the city’s population.

— Esther King, The Dial, 15 Sep. 2026
The switch from celluloid to computer chips saw the movies transform from an illusory art form to a representative one, at the great and continued risk of forfeiting its original power.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

Tellingly, not one of these standout garments is plastered with logos, cheeky text, or some representational figure (festive or otherwise).

— Jon Roth, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026
There are very real representational problems with regard to realism, phones, and internet life’s microwave instructions for rendering the literal ironic and the ironic literal.

— M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of representational

Adjective

Mirazur is one such restaurant, with the menu centered on its biodynamic garden in Menton since 2020, and one salad dish becoming emblematic of that transition.

— Joel Hart, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026
The rapid development of James, a senior wide receiver/tight end who finished with five catches for 83 yards, is emblematic of a team that went 1-8 in 2024, raised its win total to four last year and has already equaled that number this season.

— Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

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