symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
Synonyms of symbolizenext

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism
symbolizer noun

Synonyms of symbolize

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Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
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.
Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy's lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north. — ABC News, 9 July 2026 One Calabria hospital had lines several hours long Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy’s lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north. — Paolo Santalucia, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 The flag’s initial design featured zigzag stripes in blue, yellow, white, red, and green on a black background; the zigzags symbolized the barriers around which people with disabilities need to maneuver. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026 On TikTok or Instagram, a gesture once used to symbolize doctrine or wisdom starts to look like confidence, coolness, even swagger. — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolize

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Rhymes for symbolize

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

Nglish: Translation of symbolize for Spanish Speakers

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