Synonyms of symptomaticnext
1
a
: being a symptom of a disease
b
: having the characteristics of a particular disease but arising from another cause
symptomatic epilepsy resulting from brain damage
2
: concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms
symptomatic treatment
a symptomatic patient
3
: characteristic, indicative
his behavior was symptomatic of his character

Examples of symptomatic in a Sentence

a fever's refusal to respond to antibiotics is symptomatic of a viral infection
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.
In a recent clinical validation study, 1,142 symptomatic adults were tested using PrecivityAD2. New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 The underlying pathology begins years before symptoms become apparent, and once symptomatic disease develops, cognitive problems generally continue to progress. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026 The state and an outside software contractor are at odds about who was at fault, but the lapse is symptomatic of a system under pressure. Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 Important uncertainties remain, as much of the evidence is preliminary and Ervebo may offer greater protection against death than against symptomatic disease or transmission. Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for symptomatic

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of symptomatic was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

symptomatic

adjective
1
a
: being a symptom (as of disease)
an itchy skin rash is symptomatic of poison ivy
b
: concerned with, affecting, or having symptoms
a symptomatic patient
2
: showing a quality or identity : characteristic

Medical Definition

symptomatic

adjective
1
a
: being a symptom of a disease
gummas symptomatic of syphilis
b
: having the characteristics of a particular disease but arising from another cause
symptomatic epilepsy resulting from brain damage
2
: concerned with or affecting symptoms
symptomatic treatment
3
: having symptoms
a symptomatic patient
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