Definition of realismnext
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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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.
Recent Examples of realism Throughout the film, there’s a tone that blends realism with something more stylized. Okla Jones, Essence, 5 May 2026 The two chapters on machine realism, for instance, reference his and Kate Crawford’s viral 2019 project ImageNet Roulette, which invited users to upload images of themselves that ImageNet would then label. Louis Bury, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026 The team zeroed in on realism by tapping nine models to create 18 of the mannequins, while the other seven were designed to represent different figures, including a pregnant body and a thin male body, but aren't based on real individuals. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Regardless, giving this most important of meals its own due and starting the day off with family gathered around is an ideal that might just be worth working toward—with a level of realism thrown in for good measure. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for realism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realism
Noun
  • In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.
    The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Spontaneity and naturalism characterize much of the album, even on songs by artists not necessarily known for those qualities.
    Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For a more complete base-building experience that still retains a reasonable amount of verisimilitude, Surviving Mars is the best choice.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The power of the artwork is not just the verisimilitude of the final product.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

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“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realism. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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