symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Appeal to Heaven plate is a reference to a flag dating to the time of the American Revolution that has taken on conservative symbolism in recent years, according to The New York Times.
—
Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025
And their partnership has extended beyond rhetoric and symbolism: China has provided material support for Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine in the form of dual-use technologies, which have both military and commercial applications, and purchases of Russian oil and gas.
—Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025
This is where the show’s fondness for pattern, symbolism, and self-awareness really shines, as season three becomes an endlessly generous source of theories, possibilities, red herrings, and feints.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
But the performance was also filled with less obvious symbolism and Easter eggs, some of which tied into a video game theme and a few of which may get Drake's blood boiling even further.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
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Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025
And their partnership has extended beyond rhetoric and symbolism: China has provided material support for Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine in the form of dual-use technologies, which have both military and commercial applications, and purchases of Russian oil and gas.
—Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2025
This is where the show’s fondness for pattern, symbolism, and self-awareness really shines, as season three becomes an endlessly generous source of theories, possibilities, red herrings, and feints.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025
But the performance was also filled with less obvious symbolism and Easter eggs, some of which tied into a video game theme and a few of which may get Drake's blood boiling even further.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolism
Cite this Entry
“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the art or practice of using symbols
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
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