as in naturalism
realistic depiction in art and literature
using ordinary people as models, even when depicting the greatest of saints, Caravaggio brought an unforgiving realism to painting that was unprecedented
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Recent Examples of realism
Freed from the obligation of realism, painters developed radical new ways of seeing, such as Impressionism, Cubism, and abstract expressionism.
—
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
In fact, the views of the five England fans who spoke to The Athletic are dominated by clear-eyed realism and learned pessimism.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Cybersecurity researchers have noted that the emotional realism of a cloned voice removes the mental barrier to skepticism.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
To avoid getting lost in the film's lofty sci-fi ideas, Spielberg and the cast repeatedly made choices throughout preparation and production that prioritized human touch and emotional realism.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
In fact, the views of the five England fans who spoke to The Athletic are dominated by clear-eyed realism and learned pessimism.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Cybersecurity researchers have noted that the emotional realism of a cloned voice removes the mental barrier to skepticism.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
To avoid getting lost in the film's lofty sci-fi ideas, Spielberg and the cast repeatedly made choices throughout preparation and production that prioritized human touch and emotional realism.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realism
Noun
-
Tarr mixes professional and amateur performers, yet demands the same unrehearsed naturalism from each.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 June 2026
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Da Costa realizes that journey with unforced naturalism, as if the camera just happened to be there to capture it.—
Robert Abele,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The rubber missiles aren't just there for verisimilitude.—
David Szondy
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
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Featuring an impressive cast of unknowns and a fluid style that captures them with both lyricism and verisimilitude, this winner of the Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize announces the arrival of a formidable new talent.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realism. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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