symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants or less commonly symbolical
sim-ˈbä-li-kəl How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
Synonyms of symbolicnext
1
a
: using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol
b
: consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3
: characterized by or terminating in symbols
symbolic thinking
4
: characterized by symbolism
a symbolic dance
symbolically
sim-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of symbolic

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Examples of symbolic in a Sentence

The lighting of the candles is symbolic. The sharing of the wine has symbolic meaning.
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.
Nominal damages are a small symbolic sum of money awarded when a legal right is violated. — Jack Harvel august 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Cadet will work with architect Rodney Leon, who is also of Haitian descent, and who will advise on the interpretive writing and symbolic elements of the statue and its lighting and siting. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026 Still, crossing six figures is a symbolic milestone for an industry already grappling with questions about affordability and whether a college degree is worth getting. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026 Once a name is tied to an address, the gap between symbolic hostility and a physical approach narrows, pulling family members, staff and neighbours into the exposure too. — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolic was in 1610

Phrases Containing symbolic

Rhymes for symbolic

See All Rhymes for symbolic

Browse Nearby Words

symbolgram
symbolic
symbolically
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective
sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
variants also symbolical
-i-kəl How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
symbolically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce symbolic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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