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
Government actions have an important symbolic value and show that authorities deem violence against women unacceptable, said Isadora Vianna, a sociology researcher from Rio de Janeiro State University.
—
Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Normally, the numbers assigned to X-planes are sequential, though exceptions are sometimes made for symbolic reasons.
—David Szondy
march 09, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2026
Prince William proposed to Kate in 2010 with a deeply symbolic ring—one given to his mother, then Lady Diana Spencer, in 1981 by his father, then Prince Charles.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
Japan is governed by a prime minister, and the emperor is a largely symbolic role.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Normally, the numbers assigned to X-planes are sequential, though exceptions are sometimes made for symbolic reasons.
—David Szondy
march 09, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2026
Prince William proposed to Kate in 2010 with a deeply symbolic ring—one given to his mother, then Lady Diana Spencer, in 1981 by his father, then Prince Charles.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
Japan is governed by a prime minister, and the emperor is a largely symbolic role.
—Maria Torres, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
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Klein has support from the Central Council of Jews in Germany, a representative body whose 100,000 members comprise about half of the total Jews living in Germany.—
Shira Li Bartov,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
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When women participate in political life—as voters, candidates, and decision-makers—institutions become more representative and responsive.—
Celina Stewart,
Time,
8 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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The achievement, so closely punctuated by a great loss, would be emblematic of Garland’s life—one full of the high highs and low lows that came with studio stardom.—
Katie Schultz,
Architectural Digest,
11 Mar. 2026
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The hellish scenes in Tehran were emblematic of the direct link between this war, energy infrastructure and global markets.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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