symmetrical

adjective

sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
1
: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry
2
: having corresponding points whose connecting lines are bisected by a given point or perpendicularly bisected by a given line or plane
symmetrical curves
3
symmetric : being such that the terms or variables may be interchanged without altering the value, character, or truth
symmetric equations
R is a symmetric relation if aRb implies bRa
4
a
: capable of division by a longitudinal plane into similar halves
symmetrical plant parts
b
: having the same number of members in each whorl of floral leaves
symmetrical flowers
5
: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly
symmetrical rash
6
: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula
especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule
symmetrically adverb
symmetricalness noun

Example Sentences

The human body is symmetrical.
Recent Examples on the Web The center leaf is usually larger than the other two and the leaves are rarely symmetrical, meaning one side of the leaf isn’t usually identical to the other side. Jim Cobb, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 Jones always mixes an odd number of cheeses to avoid an overly symmetrical look. Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 14 Nov. 2022 Wes Anderson is obviously the king of the symmetrical wide shot. Ilana Kaplan, Vulture, 30 Sep. 2022 The goal is to have a functional and symmetrical range of motion in both ankles that is appropriate for the individual. Esther Smith, Outside Online, 9 Aug. 2022 Eyebrows are lusher and symmetrical. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 2 Mar. 2023 Our brains are two-lobed and bilaterally symmetrical, and they’re located in our heads. Kate Golembiewski, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2022 My face is not very symmetrical, actually. Jenny Singer, Glamour, 18 June 2022 So too, its jaw is not symmetrical. Peter Wayne Moe, Longreads, 25 Feb. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symmetrical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symmetrical was in 1653

Dictionary Entries Near symmetrical

Cite this Entry

“Symmetrical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetrical. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or showing symmetry
symmetrically adverb

Medical Definition

symmetrical

adjective
sym·​met·​ri·​cal sə-ˈme-tri-kəl How to pronounce symmetrical (audio)
variants or symmetric
: having, involving, or exhibiting symmetry: as
a
: affecting corresponding parts simultaneously and similarly
a symmetrical rash
b
: exhibiting symmetry in a structural formula
especially : being a derivative with groups substituted symmetrically in the molecule
symmetrically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on symmetrical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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