symbolic gesture
noun
: an act that has no purpose or effect other than to show support, respect, etc.
The president's visit was mainly a symbolic gesture.
Examples of symbolic gesture in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This dramatic flyover was far from a mere symbolic gesture.
—
Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
This sense of mission was evident during the concert, particularly when Harfouch joined hands with Monseigneur Zani in a symbolic gesture of unity.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Mexico has yet to formally respond to the decision, though experts predict tensions could rise over the symbolic gesture.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Here’s a symbolic gesture that deeply touched me, a heartening drama on a darkening stage: the wooden Nativity scene unveiled at the Vatican earlier this month, created by Palestinian artists from Dar al-Kalima University, in Bethlehem.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2024
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Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
This sense of mission was evident during the concert, particularly when Harfouch joined hands with Monseigneur Zani in a symbolic gesture of unity.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Mexico has yet to formally respond to the decision, though experts predict tensions could rise over the symbolic gesture.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Here’s a symbolic gesture that deeply touched me, a heartening drama on a darkening stage: the wooden Nativity scene unveiled at the Vatican earlier this month, created by Palestinian artists from Dar al-Kalima University, in Bethlehem.
—Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for symbolic gesture
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic gesture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic%20gesture. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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