naturalism
noun
nat·u·ral·ism
ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts
2
: a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance
specifically
: the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena
3
: realism in art or literature
specifically
: a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism
Examples of naturalism in a Sentence
a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment
Recent Examples on the Web
King of the Hill was no marvel of complicated animation — its designs were built to have a kind of everyman naturalism, and the characters move with little grace.
—
Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
That naturalism, in turn, helps viewers and listeners feel more comfortable—although the videos sometimes perch right at the edge of the uncanny valley.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 26 June 2025
With utter naturalism, Kulumbegashvili and her star dramatize a cruel, sexist reality that’s as unescapable as that inexplicable creature that repeatedly invades the story, its faceless presence a chilling, surreal metaphor for a society preying on Nina and her patients.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The mockumentary is packed with amazing deadpan performances by young actors whose comic timing and naturalism make for consistently hilarious television.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
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Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 7 July 2025
That naturalism, in turn, helps viewers and listeners feel more comfortable—although the videos sometimes perch right at the edge of the uncanny valley.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 26 June 2025
With utter naturalism, Kulumbegashvili and her star dramatize a cruel, sexist reality that’s as unescapable as that inexplicable creature that repeatedly invades the story, its faceless presence a chilling, surreal metaphor for a society preying on Nina and her patients.
—Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The mockumentary is packed with amazing deadpan performances by young actors whose comic timing and naturalism make for consistently hilarious television.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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