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
Examples of romanticism in a Sentence
Try not to discourage the romanticism of college students.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the Solar elixir, vanilla is mixed with mango for a fresh and fruity scent, while Magnetic is combined with musk for a soft romanticism, and Bold with oakwood for a smoky scent.
—
Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Her choice of accessories included a gold choker braided with pink gemstones, which further added a touch of gothic romanticism to her look.
—Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026
There’s a sense of romanticism to pieces that have lived a long life.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026
After his almost one-year hiatus, the Puerto Rican artist makes his comeback with a suave Afrobeats that evokes romanticism and desire—a shift from the flirty reggaetón sound that best characterizes him.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
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Hikmat Mohammed, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Her choice of accessories included a gold choker braided with pink gemstones, which further added a touch of gothic romanticism to her look.
—Pamela Vázquez, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2026
There’s a sense of romanticism to pieces that have lived a long life.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2026
After his almost one-year hiatus, the Puerto Rican artist makes his comeback with a suave Afrobeats that evokes romanticism and desire—a shift from the flirty reggaetón sound that best characterizes him.
—Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for romanticism
Cite this Entry
“Romanticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romanticism. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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