realistic
adjective
re·al·is·tic
ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik 
1
: of, relating to, or marked by literary or artistic realism : accurately representing what is natural or real
a realistic novel
realistic portraiture
realistic sound effects
Such films tend to be more expressionistic than realistic.—
Ira Konigsberg
: convincingly rendered to appear natural
Ira KonigsbergRealistic, sensitive artificial skin would be an important step towards making the prosthetic feel like an extension of the body.—Julian Smith
Julian Smith2
: able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way
a sensible, realistic person/attitude
trying to be realistic about their chances for success
3
: based on what is real rather than on what is wanted or hoped for : not impractical or visionary
a realistic plan
realistic expectations
setting realistic goals
It's not realistic to expect people to spend that much money on wedding gifts.
For the first time, people with cancers that have long outwitted science have a realistic chance of getting a miracle, too.—Sharon Begley
Sharon Begley
realistically
adverb
depicting a scene realistically
approaching a problem realistically
Examples of realistic in a Sentence
high schoolers who need to be more realistic in their career choices, as so few people end up as rock stars
those special effects look really realistic—I'd never guess they were all computer-generated
Recent Examples on the Web
Both believe such a move is a distinct possibility, and a realistic one.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
The idea of multiple breaks feels more realistic than the traditional all or nothing retirement plan.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Another person also emphasized the importance of solid communication and setting realistic expectations.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Knowing the grade helps set realistic expectations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realistic
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Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
The idea of multiple breaks feels more realistic than the traditional all or nothing retirement plan.
—Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Another person also emphasized the importance of solid communication and setting realistic expectations.
—Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025
Knowing the grade helps set realistic expectations.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realistic
Cite this Entry
“Realistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realistic. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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