symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
a
: artistic imitation or invention that is a method of revealing or suggesting immaterial, ideal, or otherwise intangible truth or states
b
: the use of conventional or traditional signs in the representation of divine beings and spirits
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Examples of symbolism in a Sentence
The story was filled with religious symbolism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Throughout the 2010s, celebrities ran amok with political symbolism that cued to pro-Blackness and radical ideas.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
By Miranda Jeyaretnam February 10, 2025 4:30 AM EST
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was filled with symbolism—from Uncle Sam(uel L. Jackson) to a crip walking Serena Williams—but perhaps the most powerful symbol on stage was not even planned, according to the producers of the performance.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
The dream sequences allow for design swings with symbolism both subtle and overt — a Native American tent that Mo approaches in Episode 7 has the same Tatreez pattern as the olive oil bottles his family is trying to sell, for instance.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025
In it, Rojas explores the complex, and sometimes uncertain, history of mathematical symbolism.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for symbolism 
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Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
By Miranda Jeyaretnam February 10, 2025 4:30 AM EST
Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show was filled with symbolism—from Uncle Sam(uel L. Jackson) to a crip walking Serena Williams—but perhaps the most powerful symbol on stage was not even planned, according to the producers of the performance.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025
The dream sequences allow for design swings with symbolism both subtle and overt — a Native American tent that Mo approaches in Episode 7 has the same Tatreez pattern as the olive oil bottles his family is trying to sell, for instance.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2025
In it, Rojas explores the complex, and sometimes uncertain, history of mathematical symbolism.
—Max Springer, Scientific American, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for symbolism
Dictionary Entries Near symbolism
Cite this Entry
“Symbolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the art or practice of using symbols
2
: a system of symbols or representations
Medical Definition
symbolism
noun
sym·bol·ism
ˈsim-bə-ˌliz-əm
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