epitomize vs stand for

epitomize and stand for both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
epitomize	No	No	Yes	No
stand for	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, stand for is a hypernym of epitomize; that is, stand for is a word with a broader meaning than epitomize:

epitomize: embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of
stand for: express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol

Other hypernyms of epitomize include represent, symbolise, symbolize, typify.

epitomize (verb)	stand for (verb)
embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of	tolerate or bear
	denote or connote
	express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol
	take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to