poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈe-tik How to pronounce poetic (audio)
Synonyms of poetic
1
a
: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry
b
: given to writing poetry
2
: written in verse
3
: having or expressing the qualities of poetry (as through aesthetic or emotional impact)
poetic language
her poetic beauty

Synonyms of poetic

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Examples of poetic in a Sentence

your description of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon was a particularly poetic piece of writing
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.
Fried practices art history and criticism as a poetic, almost magical endeavor. — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 The film’s poetic structure broaches such thorny topics without rushing toward easy resolution. — Rafaela Bassili, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026 Like an act of poetic atonement, America sent the great-great-great-great-grandson of a slave back, as a diplomat, to the country whence his ancestor had been kidnapped. — Anne Haley, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 Jay McInerney waxed poetic about The Odeon in Bright Lights, Big City. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for poetic

Word History

First Known Use

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of poetic was in 1500

Phrases Containing poetic

Rhymes for poetic

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Browse Nearby Words

poetess
poetic
poetical
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Cite this Entry

“Poetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poetic. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

poetic

adjective
po·​et·​ic pō-ˈet-ik How to pronounce poetic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of poets or poetry
poetic words
2
: written in verse
poetical
-i-kəl
adjective
poetically
-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on poetic

Nglish: Translation of poetic for Spanish Speakers

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