reality check

noun

: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception

Examples of reality check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is followed by a square between the sun in Cancer and Saturn in Aries on July 6, which can serve as a necessary reality check, especially around your desire for autonomy versus what’s safe and familiar. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Meanwhile, England got a harsh reality check in a scoreless draw with Ghana. Mark Hodge, NBC news, 24 June 2026 If Germany had been in dreamland after their 7-1 victory over Curacao, this was a reality check. The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 21 June 2026 Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream squad rolled into Indy and handed Caitlin Clark a brutal 108-101 reality check. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reality check

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality check was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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