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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of naturalism
If Mercedes’ Marisol were less melodramatic and more in tune with the naturalism of her castmates, this could be a truly masterful staging.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2025
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Despite that notable change, watching One Battle After Another is much like the experience of reading Pynchon, who lurches from high comedy to stomach-turning naturalism and punctuates plot-heavy sequences with little grace notes of character portraiture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2025
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Despite that notable change, watching One Battle After Another is much like the experience of reading Pynchon, who lurches from high comedy to stomach-turning naturalism and punctuates plot-heavy sequences with little grace notes of character portraiture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
-
The premise plays with the supernatural, but Edwin insists the film’s true horror is its everyday economic realism.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
And right now, California’s energy transition is failing the very people it’s supposed to help — working- and middle-class families — because it is being driven more by mandates and hope than by realism, reliability, and affordability.—
Suzette Valladares,
Oc Register,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
