romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce romanticism (audio)
rə-
1
often capitalized
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
romanticist noun often capitalized

Examples of romanticism in a Sentence

Try not to discourage the romanticism of college students.
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.
The collection, fusing exaggerated silhouettes and structured romanticism with a touch of Moroccan-esque opulence — opens with diaphanous pieces in soft creams and peaches that diffuse light and create fluid movement. Angela Lei, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 Many of the character’s silhouettes also took inspiration from Christian Dior’s work in the 1950s, combining romanticism with classic couture structure. Hannah Malach, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025 The actor-turned-filmmaker, who co-adapts with Carlino, instills the source material with a clear-eyed sense of emotional authenticity, from its fantastical romanticism to the characters’ delicately-faceted relationship dynamics. Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 Even the romanticism works effectively, cross-pollinating Jay’s heroic slo-mo walk towards Ally with the chaos unfolding all around him. Courtney Howard, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for romanticism

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of romanticism was in 1821

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Cite this Entry

“Romanticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/romanticism. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

romanticism

noun
ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce romanticism (audio)
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
romanticist noun often capitalized

More from Merriam-Webster on romanticism

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