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
What could this be other than a symbolic vanquishing of Mexico—a malignant force in Trump’s cosmology—without having to do more than change one word?
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025
These include symbolic moves, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico, as well as big policy changes like sending troops to the southern border and ending birthright citizenship.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a symbolic grave for all war dead whose remains have not been found or identified.
—Wwd Staff, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
The collection features a range of symbolic designs that blend tradition with modernity, highlighting Swarovski’s craftsmanship and creativity.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for symbolic 
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025
These include symbolic moves, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico, as well as big policy changes like sending troops to the southern border and ending birthright citizenship.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a symbolic grave for all war dead whose remains have not been found or identified.
—Wwd Staff, WWD, 19 Jan. 2025
The collection features a range of symbolic designs that blend tradition with modernity, highlighting Swarovski’s craftsmanship and creativity.
—Ty Gaskins, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for symbolic
Thesaurus Entries Near symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.
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