REALIST Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

realist

noun

Definition of realist

as in pragmatist

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 realist The signature in the upper left-hand corner confirmed the artist was the American realist Ernest Wells. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 May 2026 In San Jose, Cohen has developed a reputation as a principled realist who has pursued progress over purity. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 At her core, Hepburn was a child of war who identified with Anne Frank—a realist who faced the problems of the world head-on as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026 While much of the movie rides on these young actors’ extraordinary abilities to carry both dialogue-heavy scenes as well as contemplating moments of silence, of reflection and observation, Atlan has not crafted a social realist picture. — Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for realist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for realist

Noun

Luckily for Rhaena, Lady Jeyne is a pragmatist — and one who feels slighted by Rhaenyra.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
In embracing a rapprochement with the United States under President Obama, Raúl Castro, long seen as an ideologue by Cubanologists, played the hand of a pragmatist.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 21 May 2026

Definition of pragmatist

Noun

The native New Yorker has won over cynics before, his peers tell Fortune.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 July 2026
Not everyone is happy about this apparently, as large portions of cynics and haters on social media are apparently ready to say auf wiedersehen to Freddy.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of cynic

Noun

As criminal cases have increased against members of violent nihilist groups, related abuse reports have also risen.

— Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Sirāt was the only Neon contender to miss out on a Best Picture spot at the Globes (its noms came in Non-English Language and Score), adding to the feeling that this nihilist epic is the title most at risk of missing with Oscar.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025

Definition of nihilist

Browse Nearby Words

realism

realist

realistic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Realist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of realist

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on realist

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes