patriotic

adjective

pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
Synonyms of patrioticnext
1
: inspired by patriotism
stirring patriotic songs
patriotic organizations
patriotic feelings
2
: befitting or characteristic of a patriot
patriotically
ˌpā-trē-ˈä-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
chiefly British ˌpa-
adverb

Synonyms of patriotic

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Examples of patriotic in a Sentence

A patriotic fervor swept the country. hanging a flag outside one's home is a patriotic gesture
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.
His hands were a nonstop party, shooting finger guns and patriotic salutes to his attendees. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 The drug’s relative obscurity has allowed its champions to shake off the baggage of the nineteen-sixties, and to position its use, not as hippie hedonism but as a medical intervention compatible with patriotic duty and Christian faith. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 As Elizabeth’s historic day grew nearer, Jackie took note of the patriotic displays around her. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Star sprinkles capped off the red, white and blue patriotic effect. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for patriotic

Word History

First Known Use

1737, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriotic was in 1737

Rhymes for patriotic

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Browse Nearby Words

patrioteer
patriotic
patriotic cover
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Cite this Entry

“Patriotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriotic. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

patriotic

adjective
pa·​tri·​ot·​ic ˌpā-trē-ˈät-ik How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
1
: having or showing patriotism
2
: suitable or proper for a patriot
patriotically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce patriotic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on patriotic

Nglish: Translation of patriotic for Spanish Speakers

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