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 symbolic treatment begins with two masseuses providing a 4-hand massage synchronized to pre-Hispanic music, while using heat from warmed poultices to soothe the body.
—
Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Also, sizable majorities of voters in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and the presidential swing states of North Carolina and Wisconsin were inspired to amend their state constitutions’ provisions on voting even though the changes were only symbolic.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
My creations are symbolic of love and self-acceptance, of the freedom and also the courage to truly embrace all parts of oneself—the playful, the sensitive, and the bold.
—Valerie Präkelt, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2024
Making the first crewed landing on the moon this century would be a symbolic victory for either country.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for symbolic 
Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Also, sizable majorities of voters in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and the presidential swing states of North Carolina and Wisconsin were inspired to amend their state constitutions’ provisions on voting even though the changes were only symbolic.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
My creations are symbolic of love and self-acceptance, of the freedom and also the courage to truly embrace all parts of oneself—the playful, the sensitive, and the bold.
—Valerie Präkelt, Architectural Digest, 29 Dec. 2024
Making the first crewed landing on the moon this century would be a symbolic victory for either country.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2024
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 22 Jan. 2025.
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