as in affairs
a brief romantic relationship
an office romance that ended with hurt feelings on both sides
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of romances
Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Since the Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart — which was inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series Canadian West — first debuted in 2014, multiple romances have blossomed on set.
—Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
And after plenty of romances, most gone awry, that’s what made traveling with Jake so great.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
The Coldplay frontman, meanwhile, had high-profile romances with Jennifer Lawrence, Annabelle Wallis, and Dakota Johnson.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
From psychological thrillers to teen romances, this year’s lineup brings bestselling novels to life with star-studded casts.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026
And God Created Woman had a major impact on the liberated screen romances of the next decade, including those made by the French New Wave.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Although several early romances blossom, some misguided flubs send four sexy singles to the chopping block.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Doremus’s credits include Like Crazy and sci-fi romances Zoe and Equals.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
Suddenly though, Artemis had to cut off this fling, because gods and goddesses were not supposed to have romances with mortals.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
Since the Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart — which was inspired by Janette Oke’s bestselling book series Canadian West — first debuted in 2014, multiple romances have blossomed on set.
—Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
And after plenty of romances, most gone awry, that’s what made traveling with Jake so great.
—Terry Ward, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
The Coldplay frontman, meanwhile, had high-profile romances with Jennifer Lawrence, Annabelle Wallis, and Dakota Johnson.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
From psychological thrillers to teen romances, this year’s lineup brings bestselling novels to life with star-studded casts.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2026
And God Created Woman had a major impact on the liberated screen romances of the next decade, including those made by the French New Wave.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 28 Dec. 2025
Although several early romances blossom, some misguided flubs send four sexy singles to the chopping block.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Doremus’s credits include Like Crazy and sci-fi romances Zoe and Equals.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for romances
Noun
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Nathan Pamplin, the director of external affairs at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, told me the department estimates that sea-lion removal costs $203 for each fish saved—pricey, but no more expensive than other salmon-recovery efforts.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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Vernon was extremely involved in both his son's business and personal affairs and often supervised Priscilla's stays at Graceland before they were married.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Decades later, that nostalgia still sparks a familiar question – what ever happened to the stars who made Petticoat Junction so unforgettable?—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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Think heirloom pieces, personal artwork, family photos, and anything else that sparks feelings of love and joy.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After losing both her job and boyfriend, Jamie retreats to her small Texas hometown, where friends and flings from a fateful high school summer turn her life upside down.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
10 Dec. 2025
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With the addition of some younger flings (Jameela Jamil and Pierson Fode), chaos ensues and nothing goes to plan.—
Rachel Choy,
Refinery29,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
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One video showing people tearing down a billboard image of Maduro dates as far back as July 2024.—
Lauren Fichten,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
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An initial round of referendum money dates to 2018.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The ensemble cast includes Ellie Bamber as Eleanor’s sister, Beatrice, and Ed Suter as Edward’s loyal squire Richard, who courts Beatrice amid the escalating tragedy.—
Robert Lang,
Deadline,
27 Dec. 2025
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Fox News, which courts an older linear audience, has put new focus on its reach via YouTube, X, TikTok and Instagram, among other venues.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Steve stays in Hawkins to become a Little League coach, Nancy drops out of Emerson College to take a job at The Herald in Boston, and Robin attends Smith College.—
Brian Anthony Hernandez,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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If your grandchild attends one of these schools and receives financial aid, check with the school’s financial aid office about how your generosity could affect their aid package.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Romances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/romances. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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