The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ICONIC
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
I
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More clues leading to the result ICONIC
- Like image presented by one company, not entirely pleasant
- Portraying an image of a type of chemical bond involving carbon
- Like a symbol I see on either side of leg
- . Very significant couple caught hosting scam
- Exemplary heads in charge or not in charge
- Nico repeated shows having symbolic quality
- Legendary medic on ice packs
- Very famous figure in charge
- Couple about to embrace study of major significance
- One coin tossed and caught as a symbol
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "having symbolic quality" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case having symbolic quality = iconic.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ICONIC mean?
ICONIC adjective- Relating to, or having the characteristics of, an icon.
- Famously and distinctively representative of its type.
- Representing something; symbolic.