variants
also symbolical
as in representational
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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Recent Examples of symbolic
This action of ushering in light became symbolic of Messam’s career throughout our time together.
—
Julian Randall, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
One-fifth of the electorate means nothing for their ability to enact change, but leadership still celebrated the outcome as a symbolic victory with potential to flip the table next election.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Feb. 2025
The unfinished floor in the church is symbolic that people come before the Lord in an imperfect state.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The image of the photo in the White House hallway quickly circulated, drawing attention for its symbolic placement.
—Jamel Valencia, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Julian Randall, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
One-fifth of the electorate means nothing for their ability to enact change, but leadership still celebrated the outcome as a symbolic victory with potential to flip the table next election.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Feb. 2025
The unfinished floor in the church is symbolic that people come before the Lord in an imperfect state.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
The image of the photo in the White House hallway quickly circulated, drawing attention for its symbolic placement.
—Jamel Valencia, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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