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
Jo Brand squashes one of hers, David Baddiel tries to eat his, while Rose Matafeo and Ed Gamble rip theirs to shreds and Katy Wix overestimates the naturalism of holding a hard hat under one arm for an extended period of time.
—
Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Needless to say, Zhao’s signature naturalism serves Agnes well.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The Ranch’s appeal is the opposite: No radical health claims, just a deep dedication to naturalism.
—Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
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Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
Needless to say, Zhao’s signature naturalism serves Agnes well.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
The Ranch’s appeal is the opposite: No radical health claims, just a deep dedication to naturalism.
—Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 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 21 Sep. 2025.
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