poetic

1 of 2

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈe-tik 

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

poetic

2 of 2

less common variant of poetics sense 1b

Synonyms of poetic

Adjective

• poetical
• lyrical
• lyric
• poeticized

Examples of poetic in a Sentence

Adjective

your description of the sun setting over the Grand Canyon was a particularly poetic piece of writing

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Imagery, in its poetic sense, is unbridled by the laws of the real, unconcerned with replication, devoted instead to the rolling expanse of attempt. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Amanda Shires makes poetic songs that are just these heartbreaking stories, done in a way that’s so classy, and like Leonard Cohen. — Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Nine is a poetic exploration of the enduring bonds of friendship forged across generations and decades. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

The machine-to-machine conversation quickly turned into discussions of consciousness and self-awareness, producing content with spiritual, metaphysical or poetic themes. — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1500, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing poetic

• poetic justice
• poetic license

Rhymes for poetic

• thetic
• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic

Kids Definition

poetic

adjective

po·​et·​ic pō-ˈet-ik 

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