patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik 

chiefly British ˌpa-

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 

chiefly British ˌpa-

adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

• nationalistic
• nationalist

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

The myriad processes governing acquisitions are implemented by an army of patriotic, hard-working officials. — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

The patriotic family drama first aired in 2004, with a rah-rah message of duty and courage that was undoubtedly fueled by the Iraq War. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Later that night, Mandan hosted the Prairie Pyro-Musical—explosions accompanied by a soundtrack of patriotic and pop music—which was advertised as the biggest fireworks display in North Dakota’s history. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

No way this patriotic Ukrainian warrior would do anything to advance a Russian cause and so forth. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for patriotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• exotic
• fibrotic

Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik 

1

: having or showing patriotism

2

: suitable or proper for a patriot

patriotically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb