chromatic

1 of 3

adjective

chro·​mat·​ic krō-ˈma-tik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or giving all the tones of the chromatic scale

b

: characterized by frequent use of accidentals

2

a

: of or relating to color or color phenomena or sensations

b

: highly colored

3

: of or relating to chroma

chromatically

krō-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

chromaticism

krō-ˈma-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

noun

chromatic

2 of 3

noun (1)

: accidental sense 2

chromaticism

3 of 3

noun (2)

chro·​mat·​i·​cism krō-ˈma-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

krə-

plural -s

1

: the quality or state of being chromatic

2

a

: the act or action of chromaticizing : the use of chromatic notes or tones

excessive chromaticism means excessive increase in harmonic tension

—Mosco Carner

—contrasted with diatonicism

b

: an instance of this use

Synonyms of chromatic

Adjective

• colored
• colorful
• varied
• rainbow
• various

Examples of chromatic in a Sentence

Adjective

the strikingly chromatic paintings of Matisse and the other Fauvists

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His lines frequently featured syncopation, chromatic passing tones, and unexpected rhythmic accents, giving Motown songs their distinctive sense of movement and groove. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Apr. 2026

Picture lots of neon, elaborate chromatic costumes and stripper poles. —Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026

Noun

Bringing in dramatic chromatics to reflect the couple’s charisma was a primary focus, as was toggling between Americana and gothic English design for a splash of irreverence suiting a rock star and supermodel. —Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024

Abels’ score is an insinuating amalgam of blues, African chromatics and old-Hollywood atmosphere compete with choral exhortations (sung in Swahili) to run for your life. —Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, 13 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin chrōmaticus, borrowed from Greek chrōmatikós "of color (in rhetoric), of the chromatic scale," from chrōmat-, chrôma "skin, complexion, color, the chromatic scale" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at -chrome

Noun (1)

derivative of chromatic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Noun (1)

1708, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing chromatic

• chromatic aberration
• chromatic scale

Rhymes for chromatic

• asthmatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• lymphatic
• magmatic

Kids Definition

chromatic

1 of 2 adjective

chro·​mat·​ic krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of or relating to color

especially : being a shade other than black, gray, or white

2

: of or relating to the chromatic scale

chromatically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

chromatic

2 of 2 noun

: accidental entry 2

Etymology

Adjective

from Greek chrōmatikos "relating to color," from chrōma "color"

Medical Definition

chromatic

adjective

chro·​mat·​ic krō-ˈmat-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by color or color phenomena or sensations

chromatic perception

chromatic stimuli

2

: capable of being colored by staining agents

chromatic substances