symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbä-lik 
variants
or less commonly symbolical
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3
: characterized by or terminating in symbols
symbolic thinking
4
: characterized by symbolism
a symbolic dance
Synonyms of symbolic
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
Such a change in military doctrine is not just symbolic, but is also a big deal since Japan’s strictly defensive military thinking since its defeat in World War II.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Although the election was largely symbolic—the Texas legislature is currently not in session, and the candidates will run again in November—it was widely seen as evidence that voters were repudiating the current Republican agenda.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
An official not authorized to speak publicly told NPR that the strike was symbolic and was meant to send the message that Israel would not tolerate Hezbollah's fire much longer.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The rule, if passed, would figure to be mostly symbolic, given the limits an international sports federation could have on the president of a country attending an event inside his own borders.
—ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
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Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Although the election was largely symbolic—the Texas legislature is currently not in session, and the candidates will run again in November—it was widely seen as evidence that voters were repudiating the current Republican agenda.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
An official not authorized to speak publicly told NPR that the strike was symbolic and was meant to send the message that Israel would not tolerate Hezbollah's fire much longer.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
The rule, if passed, would figure to be mostly symbolic, given the limits an international sports federation could have on the president of a country attending an event inside his own borders.
—ABC News, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbäl-ik
variants
also symbolical
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
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