variants
also symbolical
as in representational
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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Recent Examples of symbolic
Nonetheless, the guilt that so many workers do feel may be symbolic of broader issues: an unhealthy workplace culture, a toxic boss or a weak social safety net.
—
Karen Tan, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Dozens of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants began handing over weapons in a ceremony in a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, officials said, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.
—Reuters, NBC news, 11 July 2025
Besides this, there’s also a more symbolic reason why Koreans eat tofu after getting out of jail: its white color is believed to symbolize purity, innocence and a fresh start.
—Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
But this one seems to have a particular symbolic significance.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Karen Tan, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Dozens of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants began handing over weapons in a ceremony in a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, officials said, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkey.
—Reuters, NBC news, 11 July 2025
Besides this, there’s also a more symbolic reason why Koreans eat tofu after getting out of jail: its white color is believed to symbolize purity, innocence and a fresh start.
—Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
But this one seems to have a particular symbolic significance.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
representative
Adjective
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Yokote, representative director of Blueground Japan, says sustainability — best exemplified by the concept of mottainai, which emphasizes avoiding waste — has been part of Japanese society for centuries.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
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The Schwab survey, conducted in April and May, reached a representative sample of 2,200 adults.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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