symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbä-lik 
variants
or less commonly symbolical
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3
: characterized by or terminating in symbols
symbolic thinking
4
: characterized by symbolism
a symbolic dance
Synonyms
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
Yet even as the crimes or the forms of intoxication evolve, the power of the symbolic meal persists.
—
Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 24 Oct. 2024
Zoom in: Campaign advisers think that the symbolic location will serve as a reminder of the violent day in history on Jan. 6, 2021 — and be an effective backdrop for Harris to argue that there is a way forward for the country.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Harris officials were focused on finding a symbolic venue for the closing days of the campaign, beyond just that of a campaign rally in a swing state.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Oct. 2024
But my research shows how fashion plays an important, symbolic role in politics that goes far beyond patriotism.
—Therèsa M. Winge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic 
Jessica Carbone, Saveur, 24 Oct. 2024
Zoom in: Campaign advisers think that the symbolic location will serve as a reminder of the violent day in history on Jan. 6, 2021 — and be an effective backdrop for Harris to argue that there is a way forward for the country.
—Erin Doherty, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024
Harris officials were focused on finding a symbolic venue for the closing days of the campaign, beyond just that of a campaign rally in a swing state.
—Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Oct. 2024
But my research shows how fashion plays an important, symbolic role in politics that goes far beyond patriotism.
—Therèsa M. Winge, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symbolic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbäl-ik
variants
also symbolical
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
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