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
a romantic dream about becoming a star
4
a
: marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized
I began to fear that piloting was not quite so romantic as I had imagined it was; there was something very … work-like about this new phase of it.—
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
b
often Romantic
: 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
… most people are romantic at 20, owing to lack of experience.—E. M. Forster
E. M. Forster
b
: of, relating to, or involving love between two people
had romantic feelings
c
: marked by expressions of love or affection
a romantic song
d
: conducive to or suitable for romance
a romantic dinner/sunset
6
: of, relating to, or constituting the part of the hero especially in a light comedy
played the romantic lead
1
: a romantic person, trait, or component
2
Romantic
: a romantic writer, artist, or composer
Synonyms of romantic
Relevance
Adjective
Noun
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
Claire Danes Crying Face, crumpled creases of concern atop a quivery chin, has been deployed in the service of romantic desolation, professional desperation and several permutations of grief, loneliness and general unraveling.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Throughout the 1970s, as much as Nicholson’s rebels or Beatty’s hopeless romantics, Keaton’s optimistic dreamers repeatedly collided with the realities of the times, measuring the distance between what the counterculture thought was possible and what the world would actually allow.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for romantic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
Astylish Collared Blouse with Lantern Sleeves A fancy dinner reservation or romantic boat ride on the itinerary calls for a cute blouse that will effortlessly tie your outfit together without a wrinkle in sight.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025
Claire Danes Crying Face, crumpled creases of concern atop a quivery chin, has been deployed in the service of romantic desolation, professional desperation and several permutations of grief, loneliness and general unraveling.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2025
Noun
Pic takes place in 1970s Detroit, where a working-class romantic is framed by a ruthless gangster after falling for his girlfriend.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
Throughout the 1970s, as much as Nicholson’s rebels or Beatty’s hopeless romantics, Keaton’s optimistic dreamers repeatedly collided with the realities of the times, measuring the distance between what the counterculture thought was possible and what the world would actually allow.
—Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for romantic
Cite this Entry
“Romantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romantic. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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