SYMBOLIC: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for SYMBOLIC?

Need another word that means the same as “symbolic”? Find 17 synonyms and 30 related words for “symbolic” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Symbolic” are: symbolical, emblematic, emblematical, figurative, representative, illustrative, allegorical, parabolic, allusive, denotative, connotative, suggestive, mnemonic, typical, characteristic, distinctive, symptomatic

Symbolic as an Adjective

Definitions of "Symbolic" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “symbolic” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Using symbolism.
• Relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols.
• Involving the use of symbols or symbolism.
• Serving as a visible symbol for something abstract.
• Significant purely in terms of what is being represented or implied.
• Serving as a symbol.

Synonyms of "Symbolic" as an adjective (17 Words)

allegorical	Constituting or containing allegory. Allegorical stories.
allusive	Using or containing suggestion rather than explicit mention. Allusive speech is characterized by allusions.
characteristic	Typical of a particular person, place, or thing. Stripes characteristic of the zebra.
connotative	Having the power of implying or suggesting something in addition to what is explicit.
denotative	In accordance with fact or the primary meaning of a term.
distinctive	Of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing- Curtis Wilkie. Juniper berries give gin its distinctive flavour.
emblematic	Serving as a visible symbol for something abstract. This case is emblematic of a larger problem.
emblematical	Serving as a visible symbol for something abstract.
figurative	Consisting of or forming human or animal figures- Herbert Read. Figurative language.
illustrative	Relating to pictorial illustration. The illustrative arts.
mnemonic	Relating to the power of memory. Mnemonic device.
parabolic	Having the form of a parabola. A parabolic mirror behind a spotlight projects a parallel beam.
representative	Being or characteristic of government by representation in which citizens exercise power through elected officers and representatives. The bald eagle is representative of the United States.
suggestive	(usually followed by `of’) pointing out or revealing clearly. Suggestive poses.
symbolical	Relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols.
symptomatic	Serving as a symptom or sign, especially of something undesirable. Symptomatic patients.
typical	Representative as a symbol; symbolic. A typical day.

Usage Examples of "Symbolic" as an adjective

• Symbolic thinking.
• The release of the dissident was an important symbolic gesture.
• The spinning wheel was as symbolic of colonical Massachusetts as the codfish.
• Symbolic logic.
• A repeating design symbolic of eternity.
• Klimt's symbolic painting of 1900–7.
• Symbolic operations.

Associations of "Symbolic" (30 Words)

bode	Be a portent of a particular outcome. Their argument did not bode well for the future.
bracket	Enclose a complex expression in brackets to denote that the whole of the expression rather than just a part of it has a particular relation such as multiplication or division to another expression. Pipes should be bracketed.
caret	A mark used by an author or editor to indicate where something is to be inserted into a text.
contingent	Subject to chance. His fees were contingent on the success of his search.
denotation	The object or concept to which a term refers, or the set of objects of which a predicate is true. Beyond their immediate denotation the words have a connotative power.
emblem	A visible symbol representing an abstract idea. America s national emblem the bald eagle.
embody	Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling. A national team that embodies competitive spirit and skill.
exemplify	Clarify by giving an example of. The best dry sherry is exemplified by the fino of Jerez.
express	Serve as a means for expressing something. Italians express coffee rather than filter it.
implicit	Always to be found in; essentially connected with. The values implicit in the school ethos.
indicant	A number or ratio (a value on a scale of measurement) derived from a series of observed facts; can reveal relative changes as a function of time. Symptoms are the prime indicants of disease.
indicate	Indicate a place direction person or thing either spatially or figuratively. He indicated his opponents.
indication	A reason to prescribe a drug or perform a procedure. The visit was an indication of the improvement in relations between the countries.
logo	A company emblem or device. The Olympic logo was emblazoned across the tracksuits.
mascot	A person or thing that is supposed to bring good luck, especially one linked to a particular organization or event. The team s dolphin mascot.
portray	Portray in words. The book portrays the actor as a selfish person.
represent	Be representative or typical for. Our parents represented to us the need for more caution.
representation	Formal statements made to an authority, especially so as to communicate an opinion or register a protest. You may qualify for free legal representation.
representative	Of a government or political system based on elected or chosen representatives. The show would be more representative of how women really are.
schematic	In technical contexts a schematic diagram in particular of an electric or electronic circuit. Freeman constructs a highly schematic reading of the play.
sign	A fundamental linguistic unit linking a signifier to that which is signified. The signs are that counterfeiting is growing at an alarming rate.
signal	Communicate silently and non verbally by signals or signs. Stone signalled right.
signify	Be an indication of. I wasn t signifying at her.
smoothed	Made smooth by ironing.
symbol	Symbolize. The chemical symbol for helium is He.
symbolism	The practice of investing things with symbolic meaning. He has always believed in the importance of symbolism in garden art.
symbolize	Represent by means of symbols. The ceremonial dagger symbolizes justice.
technicolor	A trademarked method of making color motion pictures.
typify	Embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of. Tough, low-lying vegetation typifies this arctic area.
zodiac	A representation of the signs of the zodiac or of a similar astrological system.