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

The name on a map can strengthen a country's claims to ownership of a certain place and its symbolic power. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 3 Feb. 2025

The symbolic clock is now at 89 seconds to midnight – advancing one second since last year. —Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

The subject couldn’t be more serious or pressing, but among the darkness there were literal and symbolic flashes of light. —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2025

Food plays a starring role in any Lunar New Year celebration, and the table will be covered with a feast of symbolic dishes. —Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2025

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