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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic measure of how close humanity is to imminent apocalypse, or self-destruction.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The vehicles were already made in much smaller numbers than the more affordable Models 3 and Y, but had symbolic value.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
Candles, plants, colorful vases and symbolic pieces create a space that feels inspired and uplifting.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Scientists created the Doomsday Clock as a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to destroying the world.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The vehicles were already made in much smaller numbers than the more affordable Models 3 and Y, but had symbolic value.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026
Candles, plants, colorful vases and symbolic pieces create a space that feels inspired and uplifting.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Scientists created the Doomsday Clock as a symbolic representation of how close humanity is to destroying the world.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic
Adjective
-
Elsewhere, the performance has been two-pronged, with Asia and the Middle East proving a boon for bigger players but less representative and underexplored for SMEs.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
26 Jan. 2026
-
While al-Sharaa has vowed to build a more unified and representative Syria, his rule has struggled with deep divisions and deadly sectarian clashes across the country.—
Chantal Da Silva,
NBC news,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
As that might lead you to expect, there’s not much to be wildly enthused about here, past the representational plane.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Measurements of representational similarity invariably involve a host of experimental choices that can affect the outcome.—
Ben Brubaker,
Quanta Magazine,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Here, at the gateway to the capital’s most emblematic avenue, history, commerce, culture, and daily life converge.—
María Casbas,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Last week’s acquisition of Pomelo by Zepz (which owns WorldRemit and Sendwave) is emblematic of this.—
Daniel Webber,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
