poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈe-tik 

1

a

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

b

: given to writing poetry

2

: written in verse

3

: having or expressing the qualities of poetry (as through aesthetic or emotional impact)

poetic language

her poetic beauty

Synonyms of poetic

• poetical
• lyrical
• lyric
• poeticized

Examples of poetic in a Sentence

your description of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon was a particularly poetic piece of writing

Recent Examples on the Web

Perez’s photography is known for its poetic, emotional, and personal sensitivity, often with a cinematic beauty. — Photovogue, Vogue, 3 July 2026

It could be argued baseball isn't America's pastime any longer, yet there's something poetic and haunting in this beautiful film that explores the sport as well as ghosts of our past. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026

The poetic tragedy was that Ballack had earlier received a booking, which ruled him out of the final. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Ancient mineral pigments once used by cave painters dissolve into radiant blues, pinks and yellows of celestial color, tracing a poetic voyage from the depths of the earth towards open sky. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetic

• poetic justice
• poetic license

Rhymes for poetic

• thetic
• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic

Kids Definition

poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈet-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry

poetic words

2

: written in verse

poetical

-i-kəl

adjective

poetically

-k(ə-)lē

adverb