romantic

1 of 2

adjective

ro·​man·​tic rō-ˈman-tik How to pronounce romantic (audio)
rə-
1
: consisting of or resembling a romance
2
: having no basis in fact : imaginary
3
: impractical in conception or plan : visionary
4
a
: marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized
b
often capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of romanticism
c
: of or relating to music of the 19th century characterized by an emphasis on subjective emotional qualities and freedom of form
also : of or relating to a composer of this music
5
a
: having an inclination for romance : responsive to the appeal of what is idealized, heroic, or adventurous
b
: marked by expressions of love or affection
c
: conducive to or suitable for lovemaking
6
: of, relating to, or constituting the part of the hero especially in a light comedy
romantically adverb

romantic

2 of 2

noun

1
: a romantic person, trait, or component
2
capitalized : a romantic writer, artist, or composer

Examples of romantic in a Sentence

Adjective She had romantic feelings for him. He had a romantic relationship with a coworker. His brother was having romantic troubles at the time. She won't discuss her romantic life with the press. Why can't you be more romantic? He has some romantic notions about life on a farm. She had a lot of big romantic dreams of becoming an actress. Beethoven was the first great Romantic composer. Noun She married a real romantic who brings her roses every day. Law school is no place for idealists and romantics. Beethoven was the first great Romantic among composers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Cafe Monarch Cafe Monarch has made OpenTable's list of most romantic restaurants multiple times due to its beautiful open patio and fine dining service. Endia Fontanez, The Arizona Republic, 29 Apr. 2024 Whether you’re headed to a casual garden party, a romantic beachside ceremony, an elegant cocktail reception, or a formal black-tie gala, there’s bound to be a look on this list that fits your needs—including stylish options on sale for as much as 40 percent off. Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for romantic 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'romantic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French romantique, from obsolete romant romance, from Old French romanz

First Known Use

Adjective

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of romantic was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near romantic

Cite this Entry

“Romantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romantic. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

romantic

1 of 2 noun
ro·​man·​tic rō-ˈmant-ik How to pronounce romantic (audio)
: a romantic person
especially : a romantic writer, composer, or artist

romantic

2 of 2 adjective
1
: of, relating to, or resembling a romance
romantic writing
2
3
: impractical
a romantic scheme
4
a
: stressing or appealing to the emotions or imagination
a romantic spot
b
often capitalized : of or relating to romanticism
5
: of, relating to, or associated with love
romantically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

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