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Definition of symmetric

symmetric

/sɪˈmɛt.ɹɪk/
sym · met · ric
Adverb:symmetrically
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symmetric Lexical Profile

symmetric Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or arranged around an axis; exhibiting symmetry.

Example

"The architect designed the palace facade with a strictly symmetric layout of arched windows."

2

Unchanged in value or validity when its variables, elements, or arguments are interchanged (in mathematics and logic).

Example

"Equality is a symmetric relation because if x equals y, then y also equals x."

3

Using the same secret key for both the encryption of plaintext and the decryption of ciphertext (in cryptography).

Example

"The system relies on a fast symmetric algorithm to encrypt large volumes of database records."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While 'symmetric' and 'symmetrical' are interchangeable in everyday contexts, 'symmetric' is strongly preferred in technical, mathematical, and scientific fields (such as 'symmetric matrix' or 'symmetric encryption').

• Rhymes for symmetric

• Nearby Words

symbolism
symbolization
symbolize
symmetric
symmetrical
symmetrically
symmetry

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived via French and Latin from the Ancient Greek 'symmetros' ('of like measure'), combining 'syn-' ('together') and 'metron' ('measure').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Symmetric. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/symmetric
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