symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol
symbolizer noun

Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The doves, Hernandez said, symbolize current times, which seem dark but get brighter. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024 Officially, the show’s debut on Max marks the kickoff of filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran’s reboot of the DC Universe, symbolized by a new opening sting of Superman busting out of some chains. Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 The disintegration of traditional social interaction symbolized by putting smartphones into the hands of children has resulted in surging levels of mental illness and anxiety, according to Gates. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 Dec. 2024 Brain Rot symbolizes the erosion of our attention spans, creativity, and critical thinking as we get drawn ever deeper into the expanding vortex of our online space, meandering through endless social media feeds and streaming services. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for symbolize 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near symbolize

Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!