romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

rə-

1

often Romanticism

a(1)

: a literary, artistic, and philosophical movement originating in the 18th century, characterized chiefly by a reaction against neoclassicism and an emphasis on the imagination and emotions, and marked especially in English literature by sensibility and the use of autobiographical material, an exaltation of the primitive and the common man, an appreciation of external nature, an interest in the remote, a predilection for melancholy, and the use in poetry of older verse forms

(2)

: an aspect of romanticism

b

: adherence to a romantic attitude or style

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

rō-ˈman-tə-sist 

rə-

noun

often Romanticist

Examples of romanticism in a Sentence

Try not to discourage the romanticism of college students.

Recent Examples on the Web

That kind of romanticism endeared Holtz to a generation. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026

Few items in the men’s wardrobe are imbued with as much romanticism—and baggage—as the leather jacket. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2026

Pollan is understandably chary about the potential romanticism that lurks behind his conclusions. —Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

The destination’s name alone conjures up mid-century nostalgia, a certain Old Hollywood romanticism filled with ice-cold martinis sipped in moody, red velvet-heavy steakhouses and of poolside bonhomie worthy of a Slim Aarons photo. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing romanticism

• pre-romanticism

Rhymes for romanticism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

often capitalized : a literary and artistic movement marked chiefly by an emphasis on the imagination and emotions

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

-səst 

noun often capitalized