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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of symbolic
While largely symbolic, the demonstration reflects a shift toward more visible, real-world applications of intelligent machines.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
Over and above the practicalities, the OpenAI deal was deeply symbolic.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Despite his love for the F-14, Carroll acknowledges that if the Israeli strikes have destroyed them, the loss is largely symbolic.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026
In myth and art, de Bres notes, twins stand in for any number of symbolic oppositions.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
Over and above the practicalities, the OpenAI deal was deeply symbolic.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026
Despite his love for the F-14, Carroll acknowledges that if the Israeli strikes have destroyed them, the loss is largely symbolic.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 Mar. 2026
In myth and art, de Bres notes, twins stand in for any number of symbolic oppositions.
—Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
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America is at its best when guided by enduring principles such as equal opportunity, freedom of speech, the rule of law, individual liberty, national sovereignty, merit, freedom of religion, and representative government.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
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The people who vote to send us to Hartford deserve the ability to communicate with their representative government.—
State Sen. Tony Hwang,
Hartford Courant,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This means that representational alignment may be a solvable problem and a step toward addressing broader alignment challenges.—
Arryn Robbins,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
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Included are a variety of abstract, representational, landscapes, seascapes and whimsical pieces, some of which have a specific meaning, McCabe said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Several other maturing brands, which are emblematic of China’s homegrown roster, will host runways throughout the week.—
Yiling Pan,
Vogue,
24 Mar. 2026
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This dominance is especially emblematic in Latin America, where K-pop artists maintain a feverish fandom.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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