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
Synonyms
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
The sort of revelatory artifice is exactly what is so often missing from American movies, which, despite ostensible naturalism, lack the feeling of authentic contact with reality—especially of inner realities—which is so abundant in Gómez’s work.
—
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
The overall tone of the performances and production value in some of the celebration sequences (at a bar or a drag performance) aligns closer to what one expects from studio projects as opposed to the strict naturalism of Ahn’s smaller features.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Oscar nominee brought disarming wit and naturalism to the resilient character, who grasps for optimism in the most hopeless of circumstances.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
To sustain that illusion, Corbet also sticks with a conventional, unquestioned naturalism, a straightforward narrative continuity that proceeds as if on tracks and allows for none of the seeming digressions and spontaneity that would make its characters feel real.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
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Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
The overall tone of the performances and production value in some of the celebration sequences (at a bar or a drag performance) aligns closer to what one expects from studio projects as opposed to the strict naturalism of Ahn’s smaller features.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Oscar nominee brought disarming wit and naturalism to the resilient character, who grasps for optimism in the most hopeless of circumstances.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
To sustain that illusion, Corbet also sticks with a conventional, unquestioned naturalism, a straightforward narrative continuity that proceeds as if on tracks and allows for none of the seeming digressions and spontaneity that would make its characters feel real.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for naturalism
Dictionary Entries Near naturalism
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.
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