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 of symbolize

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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.
As far as Athena goes, the name is of Greek origin and belonged to the goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare and handicrafts, while Rose, like the flower, symbolizes love, beauty and passion. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 For centuries, the phoenix has symbolized renewal and the idea that something new can emerge from destruction. — Deb Houry, Time, 5 Aug. 2026 Applicants from North America account for one-third of all the submissions, symbolizing the spread of K-pop globally and the interest in being part of it. — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Tara Findley, a public relations major from Lubbock, told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, that the clothing symbolized what demonstrators see as the death of academic freedom at Texas Tech. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 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

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symbolize
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Cite this Entry

“Symbolize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symbolize. Accessed 9 Aug. 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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