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
Despite these potential benefits, the technology raises broader questions about how far robotic realism should go.
—
New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
His realism about the rocket has been steered by Isaacman’s take on the program.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Her speciality is finding regular people out in the wild, for projects that aim for gritty realism — American Honey, Euphoria, and the Safdie brothers’ films Good Time and Uncut Gems, which led her to casting Josh Sadfie’s Marty Supreme.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
It's got a realism to it that really makes the show work.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
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New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
His realism about the rocket has been steered by Isaacman’s take on the program.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Her speciality is finding regular people out in the wild, for projects that aim for gritty realism — American Honey, Euphoria, and the Safdie brothers’ films Good Time and Uncut Gems, which led her to casting Josh Sadfie’s Marty Supreme.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026
It's got a realism to it that really makes the show work.
—Pamela Avila, USA Today, 6 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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