symbolize

1 of 2

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

symbolizer

2 of 2

noun

sym·​bol·​iz·​er
variants also British symboliser
-zə(r)
plural -s
: one that symbolizes : symbolist

Synonyms of symbolize

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Verb

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Examples of symbolize in a Sentence

Verb She came to symbolize the women's movement in America. the flag symbolizes our country
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
The creature has become a metaphor in the AI world, symbolizing the uncertainty around how AI models work under the hood. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 One design change symbolizing this connection between what has come before and what lies ahead is the redesign of an iconic KVIFF space. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026 In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith. — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Hidden within the sculpture is a cutout shaped like the African continent, symbolizing Parker’s connection to Black culture and history. — J.m. Banks june 29, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for symbolize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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
symbolizer
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Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on symbolize

Nglish: Translation of symbolize for Spanish Speakers

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