symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized; symbolizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism

symbolizer noun

Synonyms

• emblematize
• represent

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

His fateful, fourth-down drop late in the AFC Championship Game will symbolize the Bills’ latest failure to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs and reach the Super Bowl. —Tim Graham, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

In contemporary anime, tattooed characters frequently symbolize a troubled past or inner turmoil, reinforcing Akaza’s role as a figure trapped by his own suffering and destructive path. —Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025

So that symbolizes the internal confusion that Min-chan is experiencing. —Regina Kim, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

In Joker: Folie à Deux, the song (in a faster, looser take) symbolizes Joker and Harley’s hopes of a better life. —Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for symbolize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

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

ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz 

symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

1

: to serve as a symbol of

2

: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol