Synonyms for SYMBOL
ˈsɪm bəlsym·bol

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:2.5 / 24 votes

1. symbol

   Emblem is the English form of emblema, a Latin word of Greek origin, signifying a figure beaten out on a metallic vessel by blows from within; also, a figure inlaid in wood, stone, or other material as a copy of some natural object. The Greek word symbolon denoted a victor's wreath, a check, or any object that might be compared with, or found to correspond with another, whether there was or was not anything in the objects compared to suggest the comparison. Thus an emblem resembles, a symbol represents. An emblem has some natural fitness to suggest that for which it stands; a symbol has been chosen or agreed upon to suggest something else, with or without natural fitness; a sign does actually suggest the thing with or without reason, and with or without intention or choice. A symbol may be also an emblem; thus the elements of bread and wine in the Lord's Supper are both appropriate emblems and his own chosen symbols of suffering and death. A statement of doctrine is often called a symbol of faith; but it is not an emblem. On the other hand, the same thing may be both a sign and a symbol; a letter of the alphabet is a sign which indicates a sound; but letters are often used as mathematical, chemical, or astronomical symbols. A token is something given or done as a pledge or expression of feeling or intent; while the sign may be unintentional, the token is voluntary; kind looks may be signs of regard; a gift is a token; a ring, which is a natural emblem of eternity, and also its accepted symbol, is frequently given as a token of friendship or love. A figure in the sense here considered is something that represents an idea to the mind somewhat as a form is represented to the eye, as in drawing, painting, or sculpture; as representing a future reality, a figure may be practically the same as a type. An image is a visible representation, especially in sculpture, having or supposed to have a close resemblance to that which it represents. A type is in religion a representation of a greater reality to come; we speak of one object as the type of the class whose characteristics it exhibits, as in the case of animal or vegetable types. An attribute in art is some accessory used to characterize a figure or scene; the attribute is often an emblem or symbol; thus the eagle is the attribute of St. John as an emblem of lofty spiritual vision. Compare SIGN.

   Synonyms:
   attribute, attribute, emblem, figure, image, sign, token, type

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:1.8 / 8 votes

1. symbolnoun

   an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance

   Synonyms:
   symbolic representation, symbolisation, symbolization

2. symbol, symbolization, symbolisation, symbolic representationnoun

   something visible that by association or convention represents something else that is invisible

   "the eagle is a symbol of the United States"

   Synonyms:
   symbol, symbolic representation, symbolisation, symbolism, symbolization

Matched Categories

1. • Signal

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. symbolnoun

   Synonyms:
   emblem, type, sign, token, figure, representative

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:1.0 / 1 vote

1. List of paraphrases for "symbol":

   pictogram, symbols, rating, document, cote, emblem, sign, icon, token, score, acronym, symbolism, ratings

Suggested Resources

1. symbol

   Song lyrics by symbol -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by symbol on the Lyrics.com website.

How to pronounce SYMBOL?

How to say SYMBOL in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use SYMBOL in a sentence?

1. Mayor Ed Lee:

   The rainbow flag is more than just a symbol. It is the embodiment of the LGBT community, and it has become a source of solace, comfort and pride for all those who look upon it.

2. Claudia Webb:

   His form of peaceful protest, like Black Lives Matter, is a force for change, there is not any desire from the black community to move that symbol of change.

3. Nsenga Burton:

   I think the birth of their child will offer a symbol of hope, but will obscure the real work that has to be done to get true access and equality for black people throughout the US and UK.

4. Mike Fong:

   It’s the year of the rabbit, a symbol of peace and hope, and to have that peace and hope shattered in a matter of moments … is unfathomable.

5. Mohammad Shtayyehslammed:

   Arab League has become a symbol of Arab weakness, these peace deals will kill the Arab peace initiative.