symmetry
noun
sym·me·try
ˈsi-mə-trē 
plural symmetries
1
: balanced proportions
also
: beauty of form arising from balanced proportions
2
: the property of being symmetrical
especially
: correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry
3
: a rigid motion of a geometric figure that determines a one-to-one mapping onto itself
4
: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)
—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them
Synonyms
Examples of symmetry in a Sentence
the symmetry of the human body
The building has perfect symmetry.
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s a certain symmetry to the fact that a newish play bearing a title some outlets have deemed too spicy to print or say is about the malleable nature of language itself.
—
Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
The side-to-side symmetry connects the entire powertrain, helping efficiently distribute power to all four wheels.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
That distinctive geometric chevron pattern, which feels so timeless, was designed to frame the central sapphire and create symmetry and equilibrium.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
In the standard model, simply plugging in the W and Z masses ruins the mathematical symmetry that produces the weak force in the first place.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
This is something called Peccei-Quinn symmetry after the physicists who introduced it.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
More broadly, as the title suggests, he was captivated by a sense of beauty apart from traditional ideals of perfection, refinement and symmetry.
—Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024
Create balance and symmetry Research shows that humans prefer symmetry.
—Stacey Colino, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024
Create symmetry with your furniture layout by mirroring seating areas on either side of the room, anchoring them with a coffee table placed in the center.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2024
Chris Klimek, Washington Post, 10 Apr. 2024
The side-to-side symmetry connects the entire powertrain, helping efficiently distribute power to all four wheels.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
That distinctive geometric chevron pattern, which feels so timeless, was designed to frame the central sapphire and create symmetry and equilibrium.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
In the standard model, simply plugging in the W and Z masses ruins the mathematical symmetry that produces the weak force in the first place.
—Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024
This is something called Peccei-Quinn symmetry after the physicists who introduced it.
—Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024
More broadly, as the title suggests, he was captivated by a sense of beauty apart from traditional ideals of perfection, refinement and symmetry.
—Paul S. Atkins, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024
Create balance and symmetry Research shows that humans prefer symmetry.
—Stacey Colino, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024
Create symmetry with your furniture layout by mirroring seating areas on either side of the room, anchoring them with a coffee table placed in the center.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'symmetry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near symmetry
Cite this Entry
“Symmetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/symmetry. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
symmetry
noun
sym·me·try
ˈsim-ə-trē
plural symmetries
1
: balanced proportions
2
: close agreement in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or around a central point compare bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry
Medical Definition
symmetry
noun
sym·me·try
ˈsim-ə-trē
plural symmetries
1
: correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis see bilateral symmetry, radial symmetry
2
: the property of remaining invariant under certain changes (as of orientation in space, of the sign of the electric charge, of parity, or of the direction of time flow)
—used of physical phenomena and of equations describing them
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share