Definition of ROMANTIC (original) (raw)
1
: consisting of or resembling a romance
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
1
: a romantic person, trait, or component
2
capitalized : a romantic writer, artist, or composer
Synonyms
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
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.
In fact, people called the inquiry hotline to accuse 24 staff and faculty of either abusing or having romantic relationships with students, according to an unpublished commission document the News & Observer and the Charlotte Observer obtained. —
Sara Coello, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2025 Gracie Abrams Gracie Abrams was dressed in Chanel, featuring a sheer cape that added a romantic touch to her outfit. —Renan Botelho, WWD, 3 Feb. 2025
This attempt to coax a conventional romantic through line out of the madness doesn’t really work, partly because Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan have otherwise done a fine job of making clear how unconventional this whole situation was. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024 However, the hopeless romantic in me is not one to say no to a wedding! —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for romantic 
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
French romantique, from obsolete romant romance, from Old French romanz
First Known Use
Adjective
1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1816, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of romantic was in 1650
Dictionary Entries Near romantic
Cite this Entry
“Romantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romantic. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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