Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun symbolism

3 senses of symbolism

Sense 1
symbolism -- (a system of symbols and symbolic representations)
       => symbol -- (an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance)

Sense 2
symbolism, symbolization, symbolisation -- (the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning)
       => practice, pattern -- (a customary way of operation or behavior; "it is their practice to give annual raises"; "they changed their dietary pattern")

Sense 3
symbolism -- (an artistic movement in the late 19th century that tried to express abstract or mystical ideas through the symbolic use of images)
       => artistic movement, art movement -- (a group of artists who agree on general principles)