romance 1 of 2

noun

rō-ˈman(t)s How to pronounce romance (audio)
Definition of romancenext
as in affair
a brief romantic relationship an office romance that ended with hurt feelings on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

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romance

2 of 2

verb

as in to woo

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of romance
Noun
Fronting the beloved ice hockey romance are Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, two unfamiliar actors who became absolute sensations overnight. — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 10 July 2026 The intuitive Moon moves through your 8th House of Intimacy, squaring powerful Pluto in your 5th House of Creativity, so deeper feelings may meet a desire for expression, romance, or play. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Verb
In 1973, Boyd had an affair with Ronnie Wood, while Harrison did the same with Wood’s wife, and Harrison also later romanced Ringo Starr’s wife, Maureen Cox. — Radhika Seth, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025 Anthony Geary, the thoughtful General Hospital actor who as the complex Luke Spencer raped and romanced Genie Francis’ Laura Webber Baldwin on the way to an unprecedented eight Daytime Emmy Awards and soap opera superstardom, has died. — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for romance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romance
  1. affair
  2. woo
  3. fling
  4. spark
  5. date
Noun
  • Although the extramarital affair made headlines at the time of Schettino’s trial, there was no evidence presented to say that he was distracted as a result of Cemortan’s presence.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The first half was a scrappy, testy affair with very little rhythm or rhyme from both teams.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of affair
Verb
  • In wooing Franklin to Blacksburg, Foster, Babcock and members of the Virginia Tech board of visitors needed to convince him that the Hokies were ready to get back in the game after sinking toward the bottom of the ACC in athletic spending.
    — Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • However, Canada’s goal came from Eustáquio, the son of Portuguese parents who Herdman wooed away from that country’s U-21 team in 2019.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of woo
Noun
  • In Hawai’i, two lovers (Kenji and Jane) are drawn together for what’s supposed to be a summer fling.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Bloc Party’s next album charts the course of such a fling, one that frontman Kele Okereke experienced himself after separating from his long-term partner.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Definition of fling
Verb
  • His goal sparked an offensive assault from Boise as Portland sank into a deep defensive mould, with five defenders and four midfielders sitting tight in their own box.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
  • Jon Bernthal as Menelaus Menelaus is the king whose wife Helen sparked the Trojan War.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of spark
Verb
  • Because of climate, weather, acorn abundance (yes, really) and decisions about land use dating to colonial times, the bugs are indeed getting worse.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Hiking clubs as a new dating scene Singles worn out by dating apps are also finding their way to hiking clubs, and psychotherapists say the format is uniquely suited to romantic connection.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of date

Browse Nearby Words

roly-poly
romance
romanced
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Romance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romance. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on romance

Nglish: Translation of romance for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about romance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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