Synonyms of realism

realism

noun

ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• naturalism
• verisimilitude
• literalism
• authenticity
• representationalism
• verismo
• photo-realism
• grittiness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of realism

For example, when watching a science fiction movie, someone with high tolerance might be captivated by imaginative worlds and futuristic ideas, whereas someone with low tolerance might feel frustrated by the lack of realism and dismiss it as implausible. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025

But anecdotally, The Pitt has proven to be that rarest of beasts: a medical drama that actual medical professionals watch without complaining about the lack of realism. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025

Part of that realism can be chalked up to the team’s collective experience. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025

The trailer begins as Robbie’s Sarah and Farrell’s David meet at what appears to be a wedding, then, thanks to the prodding of a virtual assistant, set off on a journey infused with magical realism. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025