symbolic
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for symbolic, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use symbolic
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek symbolikos, "of or relating to a symbol."
Full origin of symbolic →Frequently asked questions
What does “symbolic” mean?
The word “symbolic” means serving as a symbol; representing something beyond its literal meaning. In plain terms, standing for or representing something else, rather than being literal or practical.
How do you use “symbolic” in a sentence?
Here is “symbolic” used in a sentence: “The handshake was a symbolic gesture of peace between the two leaders.”
What part of speech is “symbolic”?
“Symbolic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “symbolic” come from?
The word “symbolic” comes from Latin. From Greek symbolikos, "of or relating to a symbol.".
Is “symbolic” a common word?
“Symbolic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between symbolic and literal?
Something symbolic represents an idea or meaning beyond its literal, physical form, while something literal refers only to its exact, direct sense. A symbolic gesture, for example, carries significance beyond the action itself.
What does it mean when something is described as symbolic rather than significant?
Calling something symbolic emphasises that it represents or stands for a larger idea, even if its direct practical impact is small, whereas 'significant' focuses on the importance or effect of the thing itself. A symbolic gesture may matter more for what it represents than for what it actually changes.
Can an action be both symbolic and practical?
Yes, an action can serve as a symbol representing something beyond its literal meaning while also having a genuine practical effect. The two qualities are not mutually exclusive.