Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

artistic

American  
[ahr-tis-tik] / ɑrˈtɪs tɪk /
Also artistical

adjective

  1. conforming to the standards of art; satisfying aesthetic requirements.

    artistic productions.

  2. showing skill or excellence in execution.

    artistic workmanship.

  3. exhibiting taste, discriminating judgment, or sensitivity.

    an artistic arrangement of flowers; artistic handling of a delicate diplomatic situation.

  4. exhibiting an involvement in or appreciation of art, especially the fine arts.

    He had wide-ranging artistic interests.

  5. involving only aesthetic considerations, usually taken as excluding moral, practical, religious, political, or similar concerns.

    artistic principles.

  6. of art or artists.

    artistic works.

  7. of, like, or thought of as characteristic of an artist.

    an artistic temperament.


artistic British  
/ ɑːˈtɪstɪk /

adjective

  1. of or characteristic of art or artists

  2. performed, made, or arranged decoratively and tastefully; aesthetically pleasing

  3. appreciative of and sensitive to beauty in art

  4. naturally gifted with creative skill

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of artistic

First recorded in 1745–55; artist + -ic

Explanation

The adjective artistic describes people who are creative or creations called "art." While you might not consider the sculptor Oldenburg's inflatable toilet as "art," recreating something ordinary in a unique way is very artistic. Artistic often describes something pleasing to look at, but you don't have to like everything called artistic. If you make paintings, clay figures, or computer drawings, you're being artistic, because you're creating works of art. If you're creative in a less structured way — say, you arrange everything on your desk by shape and color so it looks nice and you enjoy doing it — that's artistic too. It may not always be "art," but it's still artistic creation.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing artistic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Steeped in the artistic legacy and rustic seclusion of Snedens Landing, this home—previously home to actress Hayden Panettiere—is truly a one-of-a-kind property.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026

Today, their artistic collaboration is considered one of the celebrated triumphs of 20th century portraiture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

It added that the gallery recognised "the legacy of those portrayed on our walls, just as we respect artistic expression".

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Since settling in Long Beach, for the last 10 years Kugel and Montoya took it upon themselves to help foster a positive, artistic community.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

The American gymnasts, famously nicknamed the Fierce Five, had just won artistic team gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, ahead of the gymnastics powerhouse nations of Russia, Romania, and China.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "artistic" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com