symbolize

verb

sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
Synonyms of symbolizenext

transitive verb

1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

intransitive verb

: to use symbols or symbolism
symbolizer noun

Synonyms

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Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Protective Cloak While the mantle represents visible leadership, the cloak symbolizes the protective aspects—the moments when leaders must shield themselves and others from harm. — Carla D. Thompson Payton, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025 In Bangladeshi wedding tradition, rain symbolizes a blessing, indicating to the couple that everything had aligned exactly the way it was meant to. — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025 The shirt, which features an image of a hand holding a basketball, symbolizes the blessing of higher purpose and the rewards of hard work—a message that connects Leonard’s personal journey to the aspirations of Rwandan youth. — Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Aug. 2025 The six-foot wood sculpture, built in 1974 by the late Rossie Wade, then a student at the San Diego College of Continuing Education’s Educational Cultural Complex, symbolized the neighborhood’s pride, family and belonging through a family of four figures reaching for the sky. — Jaelyn Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for symbolize

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of symbolize was in 1603

Rhymes for symbolize

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Browse Nearby Words

symbolization
symbolize
symbolo-
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Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized; symbolizing
: to serve as a symbol of
symbolization
ˌsim-bə-lə-ˈzā-shən
noun

Medical Definition

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants also British symbolise
ˈsim-bə-ˌlīz How to pronounce symbolize (audio)
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising
1
: to serve as a symbol of
2
: to represent, express, or identify by a symbol

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Nglish: Translation of symbolize for Spanish Speakers

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