symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik 

variants or less commonly symbolical

sim-ˈbä-li-kəl 

1

a

: using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol

b

: consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol

3

: characterized by or terminating in symbols

symbolic thinking

4

: characterized by symbolism

a symbolic dance

symbolically

sim-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• emblematic
• emblematical
• representational
• representative

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

These subtle symbolic and rhetorical shifts suggest that North Korea is dissatisfied with China. —Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

Observers are invited in by the U.S., something of both practical and symbolic importance. —Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

However, any change in Puerto Rico's status requires U.S. Congressional approval, making this vote largely symbolic for now. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Journaling using a red ink pen, per her therapist’s recommendation, was also critical for her, Megan said — the emotional release from seeing blood on her arms was replaced by the symbolic release of her pain onto the pages. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symbolic

• symbolic gesture
• symbolic logic

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik 

variants also symbolical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism

a symbolic meaning

symbolic art

2

: having the function or meaning of a symbol

symbolically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb