symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Officials said the symbolism of calling out Israeli units for misconduct would nonetheless be potent, marking a sign of disapproval of the civilian toll the war is taking.
—
Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 17 Apr. 2024
His age, the occasion, the location, and even the name of the venue seemed packed with symbolism.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
The film is devoid of real issues, but rich with edgy American symbolism.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2024
Eagle-eyed fans have long speculated over the symbolism of the broken frog snow globe that sits on the desk in Wilhelm’s dorm room.
—Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
Jackson has put charms, pearls, and diamonds on sets in the past, but Sunday night's manicure on Brooks was a chance to bring a bit of symbolism and historical context to the red carpet.
—Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 10 Mar. 2024
His participation came with a degree of symbolism, as this was the first time a Cannes emissary made the trek, though no more than a handful of the 55 projects presented this year would be ready for May.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024
Within Arab circles, especially, the symbolism of a self-immolation is potent: a Tunisian fruit vendor who burned himself to death in 2011 set off pro-democracy rebellions that toppled dictators and upended the Middle East.
—Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
Residents of Bayamo walked through the city streets in darkness amid a blackout, singing the national anthem, a gesture carrying a strong symbolism as the town is believed to have been the place where independence fighter Perucho Figueredo wrote its lyrics and music in the late 1860s.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024
Brett Murphy, ProPublica, 17 Apr. 2024
His age, the occasion, the location, and even the name of the venue seemed packed with symbolism.
—Jordan Runtagh, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
The film is devoid of real issues, but rich with edgy American symbolism.
—Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2024
Eagle-eyed fans have long speculated over the symbolism of the broken frog snow globe that sits on the desk in Wilhelm’s dorm room.
—Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
Jackson has put charms, pearls, and diamonds on sets in the past, but Sunday night's manicure on Brooks was a chance to bring a bit of symbolism and historical context to the red carpet.
—Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 10 Mar. 2024
His participation came with a degree of symbolism, as this was the first time a Cannes emissary made the trek, though no more than a handful of the 55 projects presented this year would be ready for May.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024
Within Arab circles, especially, the symbolism of a self-immolation is potent: a Tunisian fruit vendor who burned himself to death in 2011 set off pro-democracy rebellions that toppled dictators and upended the Middle East.
—Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2024
Residents of Bayamo walked through the city streets in darkness amid a blackout, singing the national anthem, a gesture carrying a strong symbolism as the town is believed to have been the place where independence fighter Perucho Figueredo wrote its lyrics and music in the late 1860s.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near symbolism
Cite this Entry
“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the art or practice of using symbols
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
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