realistic

adjective

re·​al·​is·​tic ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce realistic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or marked by literary or artistic realism : accurately representing what is natural or real
a realistic novel
realistic portraiture
realistic sound effects
Such films tend to be more expressionistic than realistic.Ira Konigsberg
: convincingly rendered to appear natural
Realistic, sensitive artificial skin would be an important step towards making the prosthetic feel like an extension of the body.Julian Smith
2
: able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way
a sensible, realistic person/attitude
trying to be realistic about their chances for success
3
: based on what is real rather than on what is wanted or hoped for : not impractical or visionary
a realistic plan
realistic expectations
setting realistic goals
It's not realistic to expect people to spend that much money on wedding gifts.
For the first time, people with cancers that have long outwitted science have a realistic chance of getting a miracle, too.Sharon Begley
realistically adverb
depicting a scene realistically
approaching a problem realistically

Examples of realistic in a Sentence

high schoolers who need to be more realistic in their career choices, as so few people end up as rock stars those special effects look really realistic—I'd never guess they were all computer-generated
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Remember that locating the X, a good hide, and a realistic spread are the true keys to success. Joe Arterburn, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024 Be realistic, honest and ready to set the record straight if anyone offers false information. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 Irvine at #20 is just too far back to have a realistic shot. Todd Boss, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 The higher the needle density, the fuller – and more realistic – your tree looks. Olivia Avitt, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for realistic 

Word History

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of realistic was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near realistic

Cite this Entry

“Realistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realistic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

realistic

adjective
re·​al·​is·​tic
ˌrē-ə-ˈlis-tik,
ˌri-ə-
1
: true to life or nature
a realistic painting
2
: ready to see things as they really are and deal with them sensibly
a realistic approach
realistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on realistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!