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
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
All the actors are on the same page, equally at home with Chekhov’s realism and buoyant theatricality.
—
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Christian realism Over the years, the prayer has often been attributed to other Christian writers, including Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and Francis of Assisi.
—Scott Paeth, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
Last year had a heavy emphasis on primary colors and otherworldly brights, but nail experts predict more realism for this spring’s nail color palette.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 7 Mar. 2025
Video quality and physical realism are essential for products that need to be represented accurately, highlighting why industries with strict visual requirements might lean toward Veo 2 despite its more limited interface.
—Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Christian realism Over the years, the prayer has often been attributed to other Christian writers, including Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and Francis of Assisi.
—Scott Paeth, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2025
Last year had a heavy emphasis on primary colors and otherworldly brights, but nail experts predict more realism for this spring’s nail color palette.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 7 Mar. 2025
Video quality and physical realism are essential for products that need to be represented accurately, highlighting why industries with strict visual requirements might lean toward Veo 2 despite its more limited interface.
—Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 24 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share