romantic

1 of 2

adjective

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

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

romantically

rō-ˈman-ti-k(ə-)lē 

rə-

adverb

romantic

2 of 2

noun

1

: a romantic person, trait, or component

2

capitalized : a romantic writer, artist, or composer

Synonyms

Adjective

• bizarro
• exotic
• fantastic
• fantastical
• glamorous
• glamourous
• marvelous
• marvellous
• outlandish
• strange

Noun

• Don Quixote
• dreamer
• fantast
• idealist
• idealizer
• ideologue
• idealogue
• romanticist
• utopian
• visionary

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

Adjective

There have been hints here and there in Pokémon Masters, for example, that Steven and Wallace might be in some kind of romantic relationship. —Oliver Brandt, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Amid civil unrest and human rights violations, the dictator also sent his wife private sketches of valentine hearts and links to romantic country music songs. —Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024

Noun

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

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

Phrases Containing romantic

• anti-romantic
• hyper-romantic
• romantic comedy
• romantic encounter
• super-romantic

Kids 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 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or resembling a romance

romantic writing

2

: imaginary

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

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb