naturalistic

adjective

nat·​u·​ral·​is·​tic ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-ˈli-stik 

variants or less commonly naturalist

ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-list 

: of, characterized by, or according with naturalism

naturalistically

ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• lifelike
• living
• natural
• near
• photo-realistic
• realistic
• three-dimensional

Examples of naturalistic in a Sentence

The zoo strives to create naturalistic settings for the animals.

the movie's volcanic eruption is so naturalistic that it's easy to forget that it all came out of a computer

Recent Examples on the Web

He’s known for his one-of-a-kind designs that feature an untamed, naturalistic aesthetic that pays homage to the local landscape. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024

The naturalistic bronze statue of Michael Jordan at the United Center, in Chicago, is like a Jumpman logo made flesh, and then made metal. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024

This process of self-selection will achieve both a naturalistic aesthetic and ensure more resilient plants in the long term. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

More naturalistic shows like Alone looked way too vivid—I’m sorry, but pine trees just do not come in shades of teal—and the green of the pitch while watching the Copa America and UEFA was obnoxiously bright. —Adrienne So, WIRED, 4 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above