ro·man·tic
rō-ˈman-tik 
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
1
: a romantic person, trait, or component
2
capitalized
: a romantic writer, artist, or composer
Synonyms
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023
But the glow has worn off, and there is growing sentiment among young people that dating apps, once considered the future of romantic connection, are broken.
—WIRED, 18 Nov. 2023
Though the pair had been acquaintances for years after Fayed's polo team beat Charles' in 1986, PEOPLE reported that their relationship did not turn romantic until nearly 10 years later, when Fayed invited the Princess of Wales and her two sons to vacation with him and his family in St-Tropez.
—Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
How could there be such hard feelings when our romantic summer together had been nothing but positive?
—Ben Gail, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023
Quick refresher: Cuffing season is a phenomenon that happens during the colder months when romantic relationships start and become official most often.
—Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 16 Nov. 2023
Whimsical, romantic flavors and aromas are appealing, along the lines of white flowers, vanilla, pastry, and lavender, Brown says.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023
Typically, the women revisit moments both heartfelt and salacious, rehashing their intra-group fights and reflecting on the pain of romantic rejection.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 16 Nov. 2023
Wilson and Strickland had a brief romantic relationship in 2021 while Armstrong and Strickland were on a break in their own relationship, police said.
—Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023
Amaris Encinas, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Sep. 2023
This eponymous romantic is Cashel Greville Ross, born in 1799.
—Daneet Steffens, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023
She had been devoted to finding the perfect man to marry throughout the show’s original run and was often dubbed a hopeless romantic.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023
Based on the first novel in Jenny Han’s young adult trilogy, this rom-com follows high schooler Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), the ultimate hopeless romantic.
—Abigail Lee, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
In recent years, Mr. Rex has dressed up as a superhero, a hopeless romantic and the Easter Bunny (among other ensembles), with some matching color schemes for Dinny.
—Ryan Fonsecastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2022
Underneath a veneer of rebellion and anger, the Charlotte seen in this series is a hopeless romantic who believes in true love.
—Town & Country, 5 May 2023
The moon and Pluto harmonize today, awakening your inner romantic.
—USA TODAY, 2 May 2023
Christine has another, more ardent suitor, the aviator hero André (Roland Toutain), the film’s tragic romantic; his best friend, Octave (played by Renoir himself), is at turns jovial and melancholic.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 8 Mar. 2023
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Adjective
The two lawmakers had not been in a romantic relationship and had been friends for about 10 years, according to reports.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2023
But the glow has worn off, and there is growing sentiment among young people that dating apps, once considered the future of romantic connection, are broken.
—WIRED, 18 Nov. 2023
Though the pair had been acquaintances for years after Fayed's polo team beat Charles' in 1986, PEOPLE reported that their relationship did not turn romantic until nearly 10 years later, when Fayed invited the Princess of Wales and her two sons to vacation with him and his family in St-Tropez.
—Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023
How could there be such hard feelings when our romantic summer together had been nothing but positive?
—Ben Gail, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023
Quick refresher: Cuffing season is a phenomenon that happens during the colder months when romantic relationships start and become official most often.
—Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 16 Nov. 2023
Whimsical, romantic flavors and aromas are appealing, along the lines of white flowers, vanilla, pastry, and lavender, Brown says.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023
Typically, the women revisit moments both heartfelt and salacious, rehashing their intra-group fights and reflecting on the pain of romantic rejection.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 16 Nov. 2023
Wilson and Strickland had a brief romantic relationship in 2021 while Armstrong and Strickland were on a break in their own relationship, police said.
—Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 16 Nov. 2023
Noun
Nancy, a hopeless romantic is looking for a trustworthy man to share her life with.
—Amaris Encinas, The Indianapolis Star, 1 Sep. 2023
This eponymous romantic is Cashel Greville Ross, born in 1799.
—Daneet Steffens, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Aug. 2023
She had been devoted to finding the perfect man to marry throughout the show’s original run and was often dubbed a hopeless romantic.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023
Based on the first novel in Jenny Han’s young adult trilogy, this rom-com follows high schooler Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), the ultimate hopeless romantic.
—Abigail Lee, BostonGlobe.com, 30 June 2023
In recent years, Mr. Rex has dressed up as a superhero, a hopeless romantic and the Easter Bunny (among other ensembles), with some matching color schemes for Dinny.
—Ryan Fonsecastaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2022
Underneath a veneer of rebellion and anger, the Charlotte seen in this series is a hopeless romantic who believes in true love.
—Town & Country, 5 May 2023
The moon and Pluto harmonize today, awakening your inner romantic.
—USA TODAY, 2 May 2023
Christine has another, more ardent suitor, the aviator hero André (Roland Toutain), the film’s tragic romantic; his best friend, Octave (played by Renoir himself), is at turns jovial and melancholic.
—Chris Vognar, Chron, 8 Mar. 2023
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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
Phrases Containing romantic
Dictionary Entries Near romantic
Cite this Entry
“Romantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romantic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
romantic
1 of 2 noun
ro·man·tic
rō-ˈmant-ik
: a romantic person
especially
: a romantic writer, composer, or artist
romantic
2 of 2 adjective1
: 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
adverb
-i-k(ə-)lē
More from Merriam-Webster on romantic
Nglish: Translation of romantic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of romantic for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
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