symbolize
Mean something deeper
To symbolize is to represent something abstract through a concrete image or object.
A dove symbolizes peace; a heart symbolizes love.
The verb works in both directions—the dove symbolizes peace, and we can say peace is symbolized by the dove.
Things that symbolize needn't be physical: Her resignation symbolized the movement's collapse.
Stand in for
- depictRepresent through art
- portrayRepresent through performance
- embodyExpress through physical form
- signifyTo convey meaning
denote · stand for · express · convey · manifest · indicate · typify · exemplify
Representational sign or device
- crestHighest point or tuft
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- badgeWorn symbol of membership
- sealAuthentication stamp or mark
banner · flag · coat of arms · totem · sigil · logo · icon · motif
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- abstractionDistilling to essential qualities
- conceptualizeForm a mental picture
- evokeBring forth mentally
invoke · suggest · imply · allude · connote · essence · quintessence · archetype
Ceremonial set of actions
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- sacredWorthy of reverence
- mythologicalOf traditional sacred narratives
totemic · mandala · ankh · yin yang · om · cross · crescent · lotus
Quality of mattering
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
- denotationWord's explicit dictionary meaning
resonance · subtext · nuance · allusion · depth · implication · meaning · signification
represent
Stand in for
signify · denote · stand for · express · convey · manifest · indicate · typify · exemplify · personify
emblem
Representational sign or device
seal · banner · flag · coat of arms · totem · sigil · logo · icon · motif · standard
metaphor
Implied identity comparison
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- abstractionDistilling to essential qualities
- conceptualizeForm a mental picture
evoke · invoke · suggest · imply · allude · connote · essence · quintessence · archetype · insinuate
ritual
Ceremonial set of actions
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- sacredWorthy of reverence
mythological · totemic · mandala · ankh · yin yang · om · cross · crescent · lotus · dreamcatcher
significance
Quality of mattering
- semioticsStudy of signs, symbols
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- connotationImplied sense, not dictionary
denotation · resonance · subtext · nuance · allusion · depth · implication · meaning · signification · representation
- representrepresent, stand for, embody, personify, epitomize
- showingshow, displaying, display, exhibiting, demonstrate
- stative verbsbe, am, is, are, was
- writing verbsnarrate, describe, recount, chronicle, transcribe
symbolizeliteralize
Make figurative become actual
be · embody · instantiate · constitute · actualize
- symbolic giftsPresents conveying deeper meaning
- symbolic gestureAction representing abstract meaning
- religious symbolismMeaningful imagery in faith
- symbolic actDeed with representative meaning
- symbolic figureRepresentation of abstract concept
- symbolic meaningRepresentational significance beyond literal
symbolic, symbolism, symbolized, symbolizes, symbolizing, symbolise, symbolically, symbolist, symbolised