naturalism

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ism ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts

2

: a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance

specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena

3

: realism in art or literature

specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

Synonyms

• literalism
• realism
• representationalism
• verisimilitude
• verismo

Examples of naturalism in a Sentence

a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

With the leads played by two actors who are father and son in real life, the movie offers an unexpected level of naturalism — at least for a film involving reindeer ghosts. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Armand and Sam Reid’s tornado of a performance as Lestat, but Anderson warrants immense credit for grounding the series, if not in naturalism, then a specific kind of lilting, high-gothic grandeur. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

Unlike the crime thriller elements that are just OK, there’s energy, urgency and a convincing naturalism when the focus is on Yan and Sister taking brave and sometimes dangerous steps to reclaim their right to self-determination. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

Duccio painted for Florentine patrons and probably learned from his Florentine peers, whose naturalism was likewise pioneering. —Christian K. Kleinbub, ARTnews.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1