realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2
a
: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind
specifically
: the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality
b
: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism
3
: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization
Synonyms
Examples of realism in a Sentence
He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.
The realism of her dream was alarming.
the stark realism of the play
Recent Examples on the Web
Telling a story as special as Hazel’s, one steeped in magical realism but also rooted in a traumatized American South, required the team to frequently check in with internal and external sources to ensure it was done gracefully.
—
Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
In the hands of the endlessly inventive comedian, the tale of a boy who pulls himself up by his bootstraps and seeks out fame and fortune becomes a madcap delight complete with a zingy script, cartoonish punch-ups, collapsing sets, and a heady dose of magical realism.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
Kramer has clearly no use for nor allegiance to any semblance of realism.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
The book won a literary award in China for historical realism; the next year the authorities blacklisted it.
—John Ruwitch, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for realism 
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Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
In the hands of the endlessly inventive comedian, the tale of a boy who pulls himself up by his bootstraps and seeks out fame and fortune becomes a madcap delight complete with a zingy script, cartoonish punch-ups, collapsing sets, and a heady dose of magical realism.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
Kramer has clearly no use for nor allegiance to any semblance of realism.
—Manuel Betancourt, Variety, 8 Feb. 2025
The book won a literary award in China for historical realism; the next year the authorities blacklisted it.
—John Ruwitch, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for realism
Dictionary Entries Near realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm
ˈri-ə-
1
: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary
2
: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater
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