symphonic

[ sim-fon-ik ]

adjective

1. Music. of, for, pertaining to, or having the character of a symphony or symphony orchestra.
2. of or relating to symphony or harmony of sounds.
3. characterized by similarity of sound, as words.

Other Words From

• sym·phoni·cal·ly adverb
• nonsym·phonic adjective
• nonsym·phoni·cal·ly adverb
• presym·phonic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of symphonic¹

First recorded in 1855–60; symphon(y) + -ic

Example Sentences

Flavorful street food sizzles on every corner, rickshaws and scooters blare their horns in symphonic competition, and cats and dogs thread between your legs as pedestrians shuffle shoulder to shoulder.

From Salon

After they graduated, Richard had ambitions of becoming a symphonic composer and his brother had designs on writing the great American novel.

From Los Angeles Times

The gorgeous costumes, the vivid interiors and lush floral arrangements, the towers of sweets and symphonic renditions of pop songs, all melt into the ultimate in unchallenging small-screen escapism.

From Salon

Adams was just back in town after the London premiere of his latest wild and wildly engaging symphonic score, “Frenzy,” conducted by Simon Rattle with the London Symphony.

From Los Angeles Times

At Carnegie, Levit tested his focus and stamina with piano transcriptions of well-known symphonic works.

From New York Times

Related Words

• harmonic
• lyrical