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
This half-hearted interest in naturalism hurts more than helps.
—
Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Originally an editor of literary magazines specializing in the newly fashionable French naturalism, [Kafu] abandoned that work in order to embark on a life investigating Tokyo’s erotic underworld.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Those moments of naturalism work better than many of the shots taking place outside of the car, which often use glaringly heavy-handed lighting to insinuate who we’re supposed to see as good and evil.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
In terms of execution, they can largely be categorized within the realm of cinematic naturalism.
—Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
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Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Originally an editor of literary magazines specializing in the newly fashionable French naturalism, [Kafu] abandoned that work in order to embark on a life investigating Tokyo’s erotic underworld.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Those moments of naturalism work better than many of the shots taking place outside of the car, which often use glaringly heavy-handed lighting to insinuate who we’re supposed to see as good and evil.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025
In terms of execution, they can largely be categorized within the realm of cinematic naturalism.
—Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 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 19 Jun. 2025.
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