symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbä-lik 
variants
or less commonly symbolical
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol
3
: characterized by or terminating in symbols
symbolic thinking
4
: characterized by symbolism
a symbolic dance
Synonyms
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
These subtle symbolic and rhetorical shifts suggest that North Korea is dissatisfied with China.
—
Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Observers are invited in by the U.S., something of both practical and symbolic importance.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
However, any change in Puerto Rico's status requires U.S. Congressional approval, making this vote largely symbolic for now.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Journaling using a red ink pen, per her therapist’s recommendation, was also critical for her, Megan said — the emotional release from seeing blood on her arms was replaced by the symbolic release of her pain onto the pages.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic 
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Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Observers are invited in by the U.S., something of both practical and symbolic importance.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
However, any change in Puerto Rico's status requires U.S. Congressional approval, making this vote largely symbolic for now.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Journaling using a red ink pen, per her therapist’s recommendation, was also critical for her, Megan said — the emotional release from seeing blood on her arms was replaced by the symbolic release of her pain onto the pages.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic
Dictionary Entries Near symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symbolic
adjective
sym·bol·ic
sim-ˈbäl-ik
variants
also symbolical
1
: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism
a symbolic meaning
symbolic art
2
: having the function or meaning of a symbol
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