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 move was largely symbolic since Russia, like the United States, does not accept the ICC's jurisdiction.
—
John Hudson The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2025
However, the nostalgic nod to Gianni’s legacy was seen by many as a symbolic closing chapter for Donatella herself.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Falling more than 10 percent would signify a symbolic milestone known on Wall Street as a correction.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2025
In Baraka’s play, the setting of the underground train was seen as symbolic for America perpetually traveling the same course.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
John Hudson The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2025
However, the nostalgic nod to Gianni’s legacy was seen by many as a symbolic closing chapter for Donatella herself.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Falling more than 10 percent would signify a symbolic milestone known on Wall Street as a correction.
—Joe Rennison, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2025
In Baraka’s play, the setting of the underground train was seen as symbolic for America perpetually traveling the same course.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for symbolic
Cite this Entry
“Symbolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/symbolic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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