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
The animal appears to be the same symbolic creature from his previous visions.
—
Matt Cabral, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024
At check-in, guests were given welcome bags containing several items symbolic of the couple, such as a custom Christmas ornament and pink Santa cookies handmade by the bride's high school volleyball coach.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
One of the most popular theories centers on the number 286, with many internet users speculating that the crime had symbolic underpinnings.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Thursday will mark the first time that Trump will ring the stock exchange bell, a symbolic ritual that is often designated to celebrities and visiting dignitaries.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic 
Matt Cabral, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024
At check-in, guests were given welcome bags containing several items symbolic of the couple, such as a custom Christmas ornament and pink Santa cookies handmade by the bride's high school volleyball coach.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
One of the most popular theories centers on the number 286, with many internet users speculating that the crime had symbolic underpinnings.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
Thursday will mark the first time that Trump will ring the stock exchange bell, a symbolic ritual that is often designated to celebrities and visiting dignitaries.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic
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Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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