realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2
a
: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind
specifically
: the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality
b
: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism
3
: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization
Examples of realism in a Sentence
He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.
The realism of her dream was alarming.
the stark realism of the play
Recent Examples on the Web
The Gulf’s next chapter may require a bit more armor, redundancy, and realism.
—
Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026
Abraham drew on the cinema verité tradition and the influence of the Cuban school of filmmaking, as well as the lessons of Ritwik Ghatak, whose emphasis on realism, political engagement and emotional intensity had shaped Abraham’s time at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026
If Nikolai Gogol and Raymond Chandler had collaborated, this might have been the result—absurdist Slavic magical realism grafted onto an entertaining whodunit.
—The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
My guiding principle would be protecting American interests while avoiding unnecessary entanglements—making decisions grounded in facts, realism, and a clear understanding of the regional, economic, and security implications involved.
—Rachel Royster
may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
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Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026
Abraham drew on the cinema verité tradition and the influence of the Cuban school of filmmaking, as well as the lessons of Ritwik Ghatak, whose emphasis on realism, political engagement and emotional intensity had shaped Abraham’s time at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2026
If Nikolai Gogol and Raymond Chandler had collaborated, this might have been the result—absurdist Slavic magical realism grafted onto an entertaining whodunit.
—The Atlantic, 14 May 2026
My guiding principle would be protecting American interests while avoiding unnecessary entanglements—making decisions grounded in facts, realism, and a clear understanding of the regional, economic, and security implications involved.
—Rachel Royster
may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm
ˈri-ə-
1
: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary
2
: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater
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