reality
noun
re·al·i·ty
rē-ˈa-lə-tē 
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
a(1)
: a real event, entity, or state of affairs
his dream became a reality
(2)
: the totality of real things and events
trying to escape from reality
b
: something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3
: television programming that features people (especially people who are not professional actors) dealing with real-life situations or participating in contrived activities (such as competitions)
I for one am rooting for anything that stems the rising tide of reality on television.—
Ted Cox
Ted Cox… it's a tough choice between The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. … If reality means nothing to you, then you're faced with a medical drama, a superhero drama and comedies.—Chris Harnick
—usually used before another nounChris Harnickreality stars
a reality series
reality shows
fans of reality TV/television
… critical judge Simon Cowell praised him as "the best magician ever" on the Britain's Got Talent reality competition.—Markos Papadatos
Markos PapadatosThe Arkansas native competing on the popular reality dating show The Bachelor has advanced to become one of only three remaining contestants.—arkansasonline.com
arkansasonline.com… beat out 20,000 applicants to become one of 18 final contestants on Hell's Kitchen, the reality cooking show that banks on aspiring chefs' ambition (and vulnerabilities) and chef Gordon Ramsay's volatility.—Sarah Reiss
Sarah ReissExamples of reality in a Sentence
the difference between fiction and reality
The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house.
He used television as an escape from reality.
They made the plan a reality.
Recent Examples on the Web
The reality of mined diamonds today is that profitability has dried up, as shown in the $189 million loss posted by De Beers in the six months to June 30.
—Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
In reality, the Detroit rap scene of the 1990s, including the Hip Hop Shop, was tight-knit.
—Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Although the work created by these missions will bring a positive economic impact, the reality is that humankind’s future is among the stars.
—Matthew Beddingfield, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2025
Africa is adjusting to the new reality of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with countries on the continent facing some of the highest export charges.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality
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Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
In reality, the Detroit rap scene of the 1990s, including the Hip Hop Shop, was tight-knit.
—Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Although the work created by these missions will bring a positive economic impact, the reality is that humankind’s future is among the stars.
—Matthew Beddingfield, Scientific American, 2 Aug. 2025
Africa is adjusting to the new reality of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, with countries on the continent facing some of the highest export charges.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality
Cite this Entry
“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reality
noun
re·al·i·ty
rē-ˈal-ət-ē
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
: someone or something real or actual
our dream became a reality
3
: television programming that shows videos of actual occurrences (as police chases, stunts, or natural disasters)
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