symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbä-lik 

variants or less commonly symbolical

sim-ˈbä-li-kəl 

1

a

: using, employing, or exhibiting a symbol

b

: consisting of or proceeding by means of symbols

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a symbol

3

: characterized by or terminating in symbols

symbolic thinking

4

: characterized by symbolism

a symbolic dance

symbolically

sim-ˈbä-li-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of symbolic

• representative
• representational
• emblematic

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

That said, this shouldn’t be symbolic. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 May 2026

The move is largely symbolic — the extra 188,000 barrels a day is modest, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz means little will reach its destination anyway. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 4 May 2026

But decadents only break taboos in a bloodless, symbolic way—they’re too lazy and refined for murder. —Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026

Florists can provide helpful tips on choosing the right flowers for mom including how to reflect her preferences and understand the symbolic meanings of different flowers. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing symbolic

• symbolic gesture
• symbolic logic

Rhymes for symbolic

• bucolic
• carbolic
• embolic
• glycolic
• hydraulic
• phenolic
• podzolic
• systolic
• alcoholic
• anabolic
• apostolic
• catabolic

Kids Definition

symbolic

adjective

sym·​bol·​ic sim-ˈbäl-ik 

variants also symbolical

-i-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or using symbols or symbolism

a symbolic meaning

symbolic art

2

: having the function or meaning of a symbol

symbolically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb