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
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
Motel says more and more people are getting ink that memorializes their fandom, particularly in black and gray realism.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025
The tighter focus allows the story to explore, with even more realism than its predecessors, how trauma cases progress.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
In an effort to capture chaos, immediacy, and realism, the showrunners sought to create an unbroken visual experience with no cutaways.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
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Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Motel says more and more people are getting ink that memorializes their fandom, particularly in black and gray realism.
—Marie Lodi, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025
The tighter focus allows the story to explore, with even more realism than its predecessors, how trauma cases progress.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 28 Mar. 2025
In an effort to capture chaos, immediacy, and realism, the showrunners sought to create an unbroken visual experience with no cutaways.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 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 5 Apr. 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
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