1
as in ridiculous
not likely to occur in the real world
The movie's unrealistic dialogue kept distracting me from the story.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
2
as in unreasonable
based on what is wanted or hoped for rather than on what is possible or likely
He had unrealistic expectations about the type of apartment he could afford on his meager salary. The valuation placed on this company is completely unrealistic.
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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 unrealistic
The modeling industry has long played a role in perpetuating unrealistic body standards, though there have been cyclical advances and setbacks.
—
Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Critics suggest the 2035 target is unrealistic, noting that offshore projects typically take over a decade to complete and that this project is still in its infancy.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
The proposals might sound unrealistic given these features are the emotional engine of social media firms and critical to their profitability.
—Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
But to ask a fan to simply consume something is unrealistic.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Rory Satran, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Critics suggest the 2035 target is unrealistic, noting that offshore projects typically take over a decade to complete and that this project is still in its infancy.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026
The proposals might sound unrealistic given these features are the emotional engine of social media firms and critical to their profitability.
—Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
But to ask a fan to simply consume something is unrealistic.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrealistic
Adjective
-
Where to Eat Dallas has been enjoying a booming restaurant scene of late, with elite newcomers arriving at borderline ridiculous speed.—
Jonathan Thompson,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2026
-
Continue reading … ‘INSANE’ — Minnesota mayors drag 'ridiculous' bill penalizing cities for not flying new controversial flag.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sibrian then retaliated against Soto for her claims by reducing her hourly wage, assigning unreasonable workloads and changing her schedule, according to the lawsuit.—
Rachel McRady,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026
-
If these requirements are not met, the search is unreasonable and therefore unlawful, and evidence obtained in that search cannot be used in court, barring a good-faith exception.—
Anne Toomey McKenna,
The Conversation,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Still absurd to the average person, but a far cry from what Biles paid.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
As paranoia festers and absurd regulations tighten their grip, suspicion replaces love, and truth itself begins to warp.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Surveys show a 50-50 divide, but Trump’s real base is his same irrational 30%.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Letting Jinx stay is yet another act of irrational love from Margo.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest is home to an incredible amount of biodiversity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
-
In the moments before the Kentucky Derby began, two incredible women – one stepping off the grandest stage in horse racing and another about to step onto it – strode together to Churchill Downs’ paddock.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Scientists typically test candidates one by one, making large-scale discovery impractical.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Apr. 2026
-
And it’s set in a snowy wintertime, which would have been impractical and expensive in live action, but pays all kinds of benefits in terms of staging and mood.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not bad for a silly movie about killer worms from outer space.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
-
The idea seemed silly at first — who would be interested in a bean box subscription?—
Angela Osorio,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The wayward booster was spotted by independent astronomer Bill Gray, who develops and sells software dedicated to tracking celestial objects both artificial and natural.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
1 May 2026
-
That there is no need to fill consciousness at all moments with the artificial urgencies of screens, of emails, of texts, of social media; the real urgencies of the bright-eyed woodpecker above my head will always be vastly more interesting.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unrealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrealistic. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
