romantic

adjective ro·man·tic \ rō-ˈman-tik , rə- \

Updated on: 23 May 2018

Definition of romantic

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

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romantically

play \rō-ˈman-ti-k(ə-)lē, rə-\ adverb

See romantic defined for English-language learners

Examples of romantic in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of romantic from the Web

And complicating the question even more is the fact that a romantic relationship needn't be physical to be real.

— anthea levi, Health.com, "Are You Close Friends—or Are You Having an Emotional Affair? Here’s How to Tell," 16 May 2018
News articles at the time reported that Mountz had turned 20 when she and Newsom were engaged in a romantic relationship.

— angela hart, sacbee, "Facebook, Instagram ads target Gavin Newsom over past relationships with women | The Sacramento Bee," 14 May 2018
The woman, who had previously been in a romantic relationship with Lee, had obvious injuries that were consistent with a struggle, the sheriff’s office said.

— zachary hansen, ajc, "Cops: Kidnapping suspect arrested during traffic stop after driving 100 mph," 5 May 2018
Most people expect to go through the stages of grief when a loved one passes away, or when a romantic relationship ends.

— episcopal retirement services, Cincinnati.com, "My parent was just diagnosed with dementia. Now what?," 4 May 2018
School and romantic relationships became my primary focus.

— jenny aurthur, Longreads, "Of Breakdowns and Breakthroughs," 4 May 2018
March 2014 Despite constantly denying a romantic relationship, paparazzi spotted Rih and Drizzy out in London holding hands and getting into a ride together.

— nerisha penrose, Billboard, "A Timeline of Rihanna & Drake's Complicated Relationship," 3 May 2018
The casting has generated some controversy, in part over the biracial actor chosen as the male romantic lead.

— amy qin, New York Times, "Teenager’s Prom Dress Stirs Furor in U.S. — but Not in China," 2 May 2018
Police said the two, who were both seniors at Highlands High School, ended a romantic relationship about a week ago.

— caleb downs, San Antonio Express-News, "SAPD: Woman killed during altercation; boyfriend arrested," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'romantic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of romantic

French romantique, from obsolete romant romance, from Old French romanz

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1650

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

romantic Synonyms

romantic

noun

Definition of romantic

1 : a romantic person, trait, or component

2 capitalized : a romantic writer, artist, or composer

See romantic defined for English-language learners

See romantic defined for kids

Examples of romantic in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of romantic from the Web

Schulman, along with co-host Max Joseph, helps hopeful romantics learn the truth behind their internet crushes.

— megan farokhmanesh, The Verge, "Catfish host Nev Schulman accused of sexual misconduct," 17 May 2018
The new location will offer more space, more merchandise and provide more room for romantics to practice bending down on one knee or brainstorming ways to propose.

— karen pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Lyle Husar Designs celebrates 50 years and announces new location, name in Brookfield," 16 May 2018
Lo Celso becomes the enemy of soccer romantics the world over after giving @PSG_English the lead.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Paris Saint-Germain beats Les Herbiers 2-0 in French Cup final: Highlights, live updates recap," 8 May 2018
Also, romantics, the story shifts between past and present day, allowing us to see a young Donna (Lily James) get swept up in three relationships.

— erin jensen, USA TODAY, "9 movies romance junkies need to see this year," 4 May 2018
The romantics would possibly have Arsenal win and have the curtain fall on what has been a labour of love - and indeed much woe in recent years - for Wenger in Manchester for over 20 years.

— SI.com, "Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battle, Team News & More," 28 Apr. 2018
Ever the romantics, most coral spawn only once or twice a year in October or November when triggered by a full moon.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Could CRISPR Be the Key to Saving Coral?," 23 Apr. 2018
But this Classic Cleveland gem dedicated to saving beautiful but battered old trains is waging a tougher battle – one pitched against time and the sense that these train romantics are hopelessly lost in it.

— john petkovic, cleveland.com, "Train lover's nirvana revisits Cleveland glory days (photos)," 22 Mar. 2018
Just when hopeless romantics thought that mind-boggling dating trends like submarining and stashing were left behind in 2017, a new woe has bubbled up to vex sincere sentiments everywhere: mosting.

— janine puhak, Fox News, "'Mosting' is the latest maddening dating trend," 20 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of romantic

1678

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

romantic Synonyms

Synonyms

dreamer, idealist, utopian, visionary;

Antonyms

pragmatist, realist;

Near Antonyms

cynic, defeatist, pessimist;

Related Words

daydreamer, fantasizer, woolgatherer;

optimist, Pollyanna;

do-gooder, reformer;

perfectionist;

ROMANTIC Defined for English Language Learners

romantic

adjective

Definition of romantic for English Language Learners

: of, relating to, or involving love between two people
: making someone think of love : suitable for romance
: thinking about love and doing and saying things to show that you love someone

romantic

noun

Definition of romantic for English Language Learners

: a person who thinks a lot about love and does and says things that show strong feelings of love for someone
: someone who is not realistic or practical : someone who thinks that things are better or more exciting than they really are
Romantic : a writer, musician, or artist whose work stresses emotion and imagination : a writer, musician, or artist of Romanticism