patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
Synonyms of patrioticnext
1
: inspired by patriotism
stirring patriotic songs
patriotic organizations
patriotic feelings
2
: befitting or characteristic of a patriot
patriotically
ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

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Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country. hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But so close to the semiquincentennial, there were no American flags, no patriotic symbols on display. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 18 July 2026 People throughout the country flock to download storefronts like iTunes and streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and others to listen to their favorite patriotic cuts. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Another kind of diplomacy Not a habitual critic of China, Hu describes himself as deeply patriotic and believes Chinese leadership remains committed to reform and opening. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 July 2026 Brantley Gilbert isn't mincing words about entertainers who commit to patriotic events only to walk away once public criticism begins. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for patriotic

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriotic was in 1737

Rhymes for patriotic

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Browse Nearby Words

patrioteer
patriotic
patriotic cover
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Cite this Entry

“Patriotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotic. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective
pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
1
: having or showing patriotism
2
: suitable or proper for a patriot
patriotically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on patriotic

Nglish: Translation of patriotic for Spanish Speakers

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