SYMBOLISTIC Synonyms: 19 Similar and Opposite Words

symbolistic

adjective

Definition of symbolistic

as in symbolist

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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 symbolistic Williams was the group’s poet but also its madcap, blending a symbolistic worldview with a devilish sense of humor. — Ethan Mordden, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2018 The symbolistic use of the color red, worn by the accusing girls, is contrasted with the more subdued colors of the accused. — Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolistic

Adjective

Another adopted a symbolist approach, breaking the novel down into its constituent elements and tracing each back to signs and symbols in Iranian culture and history.

— Amir Ahmadi Arian, The Dial, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of symbolist

Adjective

The impressionistic, black-and-white feature premiered at Telluride in 2024 and the New York Film Festival.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 July 2026
But there’s this whole ‘nother level of what’s going on that is visual, image-based, impressionistic in a way.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026

Definition of impressionistic

Adjective

Raimi and his collaborators go all out, ramping up the expressionistic filmmaking and embracing a clearer tone of comical absurdity.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 10 July 2026
In his songs, the English language turned woolier and more expressionistic; musical space-time distended and stretched.

— New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Definition of expressionistic

Adjective

For nearly 50 years, illustrator and comic book creator Bill Sienkiewicz has burned, splattered and slashed his way across the page with his expressionist approach to visual storytelling.

— Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
By the 1980s, Baselitz’s profile began to expand beyond Germany, when he was exhibited in dialogue with figurative painters sharing his expressionist leanings, including Italy’s Sandro Chia and Francesco Clemente.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of expressionist

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“Symbolistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolistic. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolistic

adjective

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