as in realism
realistic depiction in art and literature
a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment
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Recent Examples of naturalism
As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
By filtering the grammar of naturalism through a fine mesh strainer until all that remains are skeletal forms and eerie compositional croppings, Schjerfbeck forces your eye toward an occluded or trivial detail.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
It’s based on the fallacy of naturalism.
—Christine Baranski, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
By filtering the grammar of naturalism through a fine mesh strainer until all that remains are skeletal forms and eerie compositional croppings, Schjerfbeck forces your eye toward an occluded or trivial detail.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
It’s based on the fallacy of naturalism.
—Christine Baranski, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
-
Its practical effects became a benchmark for realism, directly influencing later films such as Star Wars and Interstellar.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The Night Circus ignites magical realism and rivals-to-lovers alongside a satisfying romance.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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