1 symbolize | Definition of symbolize

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize | \ ˈsim-bÉ™-ËŒlÄ«z How to pronounce symbolize (audio) \
symbolized; symbolizing

Definition of symbolize

transitive verb

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

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Other Words from symbolize

symbolizer noun

Synonyms for symbolize

Synonyms

emblematize, represent

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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

The 1- 2-mile run symbolizes when the maternal cousins of Imam Hussein’s half-brother al-Abbas ran from the nearby village of Tweireej to rescue him, only to find out that he had been killed. BostonGlobe.com, "Afdhal al-Shami, a shrine official, denied that there was a collapse or any cracks in the walkway. ‘‘It was a stampede that led to this incident,’’ he said.," 11 Sep. 2019 The 2-3 kilometer run symbolizes when the maternal cousins of Imam Hussein’s half-brother al-Abbas ran from the nearby village of Tweireej to rescue him, only to find out that he had been killed. Qassim Abdul-zahra And Zeina Karam, chicagotribune.com, "Officials: At least 31 Iraqi pilgrims die in stampede during holiday," 10 Sep. 2019 The 2-3 kilometer (1-2 mile) run symbolizes when the maternal cousins of Imam Hussein’s half-brother al-Abbas ran from the nearby village of Tweireej to rescue him, only to find out that he had been killed. Washington Post, "Officials: 31 Iraqi pilgrims die in stampede during holiday," 10 Sep. 2019 The phenomenon symbolizes the continuation of a certain archetype (handsome, approachable, maybe a little sensitive) that’s been celebrated by Hollywood for a century, only now it’s bolstered by the machine that is social media. Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "Twitter’s White Boy of the Month Meme Is a Match Made in Heaven Between Celebrity and Internet Culture," 26 Aug. 2019 The question of what would best symbolize 100 years in business was asked, and the consensus was a truck — a Model T Ford truck. David Krumboltz, The Mercury News, "Me & My Car: 1919 Model T represents company’s 100 years," 26 Aug. 2019 The tree symbolizes both joy and sadness, according to Jaak Rakfeldt, chairman of the Connecticut Estonian Society. Peter Marteka, courant.com, "Baltics heritage honored by replanting ‘Freedom Tree’ in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford 30 years after historic demonstration," 23 Aug. 2019 To Wallace, an apartment of her own symbolizes a newfound stability and safety. Marie Fazio, chicagotribune.com, "She kept getting sick and kept visiting the ER. Now a formerly homeless mom is getting help, and a new apartment, through Chicago and private companies’ investment," 23 Aug. 2019 David Koch, who died Friday, symbolized that power and its role in U.S. politics. The Christian Science Monitor, "Encircling the interrupters with civility," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'symbolize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of symbolize

1603, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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More Definitions for symbolize

symbolize

verb

English Language Learners Definition of symbolize

: to be a symbol of (something)

symbolize

verb
sym·​bol·​ize | \ ˈsim-bÉ™-ËŒlÄ«z How to pronounce symbolize (audio) \
symbolized; symbolizing

Kids Definition of symbolize

: to serve as a representation of A lion symbolizes courage.

symbolize

transitive verb
sym·​bol·​ize
variants: also British symbolise \ ˈsim-​bÉ™-​ËŒlÄ«z How to pronounce symbolise (audio) \
symbolized also British symbolised; symbolizing also British symbolising

Medical Definition of symbolize

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

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