symbolic

Sometimes sym·bol·i·cal

[sim-bol-ik]

adjective

1. serving as a symbol of something (often followed byof ).

2. of, relating to, or expressed by a symbol.

3. characterized by or involving the use of symbols.

   a highly symbolic poem.

4. (in semantics, especially formerly) pertaining to a class of words that express only relations.

5. Computers.,  expressed in characters, usually nonnumeric, that require translation before they can be used (absolute ).

symbolic

/ sɪmˈbɒlɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to a symbol or symbols

2. serving as a symbol

3. characterized by the use of symbols or symbolism

Other Word Forms

• symbolically adverb
• symbolicalness noun
• nonsymbolic adjective
• nonsymbolical adjective
• nonsymbolically adverb
• nonsymbolicalness noun
• unsymbolic adjective
• unsymbolical adjective
• unsymbolically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of symbolic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin symbolicus, from Greek symbolikós; symbol, -ic

Example Sentences

The YouTube and Roblox connection is more than symbolic; the companies have developed a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Read more on Barron's

In a symbolic move, the bill was approved on the day dedicated to the elimination of violence against women worldwide.

Read more on BBC

Inspired by Pink Floyd’s “The Wall,” Sonic Youth’s distortion, Black Sabbath’s symbolic lyricism and layered instrumentals, and surrealist artwork, “Mellon Collie” tested the Smashing Pumpkins’ limits as a band.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An October 2025 deal promised China would buy 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans a year, but relief has proved mostly symbolic.

Read more on Salon

Administration officials have characterized the shift as pragmatic deterrence that forces Taipei to fund its own defense capabilities while avoiding symbolic gestures that could grant Beijing a pretext for a Ukraine-style conflict.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• allegorical 
• emblematic 
• figurative 
• significant 
• symptomatic 
• token 
• typical