as in symbolic
having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else
a computer program with representational icons for different functions
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Recent Examples of representational
The Semiquincentennial Commission was conjured into being by Congress back in 2016, during that long-ago summer when the Democratic Party was convening in Philadelphia and the succession of one form of representational liberalism to another seemed pretty well secure.
—
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
From the sitcom’s second season, Allen created an ecosystem of Black characters from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, with different ideals and goals, while showcasing both representational and aspirational models of Black excellence.
—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
VIBE.com,
4 June 2026
Soon, this recognition stretched to include representational painting by younger Black artists, as museums, galleries, and collectors still more clearly signaled their progressive intent.
—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Adapting their identities, behaviors, and social realities to the representational limits of machines.
—
Hamilton Mann,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Her own work moves between evocative and representational — but there’s always a thread.
—
The Editors Of Artnews,
ARTnews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
This means that representational alignment may be a solvable problem and a step toward addressing broader alignment challenges.
—
Arryn Robbins,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Included are a variety of abstract, representational, landscapes, seascapes and whimsical pieces, some of which have a specific meaning, McCabe said.
—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
The piece is entirely presentational, with minimal representational actions taking place between the brothers.
—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Christopher Hooks,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
From the sitcom’s second season, Allen created an ecosystem of Black characters from varying socioeconomic backgrounds, with different ideals and goals, while showcasing both representational and aspirational models of Black excellence.
—
Ronda Racha Penrice,
VIBE.com,
4 June 2026
Soon, this recognition stretched to include representational painting by younger Black artists, as museums, galleries, and collectors still more clearly signaled their progressive intent.
—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Adapting their identities, behaviors, and social realities to the representational limits of machines.
—
Hamilton Mann,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Her own work moves between evocative and representational — but there’s always a thread.
—
The Editors Of Artnews,
ARTnews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
This means that representational alignment may be a solvable problem and a step toward addressing broader alignment challenges.
—
Arryn Robbins,
The Conversation,
11 Mar. 2026
Included are a variety of abstract, representational, landscapes, seascapes and whimsical pieces, some of which have a specific meaning, McCabe said.
—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
The piece is entirely presentational, with minimal representational actions taking place between the brothers.
—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representational
Adjective
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Thune did not speak during the meeting but scheduled a symbolic follow-up vote that evening in which two Republicans flipped their original votes.
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This ‘Statehood Quarters’ collection is so inclusive and symbolic of this great nation.
Adjective
-
Virginia may have established a representative body, the House of Burgesses, in 1619, but the mid-century Cavalier elite continued to accept the divine right of kings as the Stuart monarchs had propounded it.
-
Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.
Cite this Entry
“Representational.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representational. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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