emblematic

adjective

em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈma-tik How to pronounce emblematic (audio)
variants or less commonly emblematical
ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-kəl How to pronounce emblematic (audio)
Synonyms of emblematic
: of, relating to, or constituting an emblem : symbolic, representative
emblematically
ˌem-blə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce emblematic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of emblematic

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Examples of emblematic in a Sentence

the dove is emblematic of the organization's mission to bring some peace to a troubled world
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Marshall’s detractors say the Florida property is emblematic of a lawmaker who is out of touch with his constituents. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026 Swodoba posits that the subject’s dress is emblematic of fashions that were popular in Rome around 1670. — News Desk, Artforum, 21 Aug. 2026 Britain’s largest church was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott—the inventor of the emblematic red telephone booth—in the early 20th century. — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 That moment became emblematic of the problem Brashear now works to solve. — William Jones, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emblematic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin emblēmaticus, from emblēmat-, emblēma emblem entry 1 + -icus -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emblematic was in 1645

Rhymes for emblematic

See All Rhymes for emblematic

Browse Nearby Words

emblema
emblematic
emblematist
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Cite this Entry

“Emblematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emblematic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emblematic

adjective
em·​blem·​at·​ic ˌem-blə-ˈmat-ik How to pronounce emblematic (audio)
variants also emblematical
-ˈmat-i-kəl How to pronounce emblematic (audio)
: of, relating to, or serving as an emblem : symbolic
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