SYMBOLIC Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

symbolic

adjective

sim-ˈbä-lik

variants also symbolical

Definition of symbolic

as in representative

having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else the butterfly in the poem is symbolic of the impermanence of youth

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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.

Recent Examples of symbolic Tying the entire house together, a dramatic clock tower crowns the space, a symbolic reminder that in this game, time is always ticking… but never predictable. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 The masks are often vibrant and colorful but sometimes intimidating, depicting superheroes, animals or other symbolic figures. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Losing title fights to Charles Oliveira (symbolic BMF belt), Ilia Topuria (featherweight), and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight). — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 People attend a symbolic funeral ceremony for 61 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks that was staged in Nabatieh Governorate, southern Lebanon, June 28, 2026. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for symbolic

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.

— James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Boars were representative of Seth (or Set), a deity associated with chaos and violence.

— Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Definition of representative

Adjective

Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the show was celebrated for its representational milestones both in front and behind the camera for the entirety of its three season run.

— Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
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

Definition of representational

Adjective

Birkenstock noted that all three styles are offered in European sizes 35 to 42 and come in three emblematic Repetto shades — Iconic Pink, Flame Red and Profound Black.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
The most popular order throughout the fundraiser was the arepa pabellón, one of the most emblematic arepas in Venezuelan cuisine.

— Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of emblematic

Browse Nearby Words

symboled

symbolic

symboling

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“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of symbolic

adjective

Example Sentences

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