Synonyms

emblematic

American

[em-bluh-mat-ik] / ˌɛm bləˈmæt ɪk /

Also emblematical

adjective

pertaining to, of the nature of, or serving as an emblem; symbolic.

Other Word Forms

emblematically adverb
emblematicalness noun

Etymology

Origin of emblematic

1635–45; < Greek emblēmat-, stem of émblēma ( see emblem) + -ic

Explanation

Something emblematic is symbolic. Empty buildings are emblematic of a city in decline, and a crown is emblematic of royalty. If you know that an emblem is a visual symbol, then you won't be surprised that emblematic things stand for other things. In fact, the word emblem comes from the French word for symbol. Something emblematic represents a larger issue, good or bad. Sometimes emblematic is used for things that are excellent examples. An A student is an emblematic student, and a war hero is an emblematic soldier. Emblematic people are symbols of what others aspire to be.

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Vocabulary lists containing emblematic

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She added: "This milestone is emblematic of so much hard work and dedication, and a tribute to collaborative work."

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is again fighting for his political life this week, thanks to a scandal that’s becoming emblematic of Britain’s national dysfunction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Brand’s forthcoming title, “How to Become a Christian in Seven Days,” is emblematic of this trend.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

“We respect President Trump,” Sheinbaum said before departing for Spain, displaying the “cool-headed,” pragmatic tone emblematic of her dealings with her bombastic U.S. counterpart.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

The boys who had made it this far were rugged and optimistic in a way that seemed emblematic of their western roots.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023