1
as in ridiculous
not likely to occur in the real world
The movie's unrealistic dialogue kept distracting me from the story.
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2
as in unreasonable
based on what is wanted or hoped for rather than on what is possible or likely
He had unrealistic expectations about the type of apartment he could afford on his meager salary. The valuation placed on this company is completely unrealistic.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unrealistic
But Iran’s own 5-point plan for ending the war seems equally unrealistic, calling for, among other things, war reparations to be paid to Tehran, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of US bases in the region.
—
Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
That's not an unrealistic amount to spend for an average business.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Even if every vacant rental unit were available — an unrealistic scenario — the state would still fall tens of thousands of units short.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 24 Mar. 2026
But growth is not linear, and expecting dominance – especially in the Big 12 – is simply unrealistic.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
That's not an unrealistic amount to spend for an average business.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Even if every vacant rental unit were available — an unrealistic scenario — the state would still fall tens of thousands of units short.
—Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 24 Mar. 2026
But growth is not linear, and expecting dominance – especially in the Big 12 – is simply unrealistic.
—Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrealistic
Adjective
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Because these interviews are edited and condensed, the parts of it that get cut out will retroactively make those parts of this present moment sort of ridiculous.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
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Recently, despite their consistent and ridiculous denials, it was found that Iran had built numerous missiles capable of reaching all over Europe.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Chicago residents must not be subject to unreasonable searches and seizures.—
Tracy Baim,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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As in Williams’ case, attorneys argued that a sweep had violated the plaintiffs’ Fourth Amendment rights protecting them from unreasonable search and seizure, as well as their 14th Amendment right to due process.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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This series is inspired by the shocking and absurd true story of the suburban dentist who built a drug empire behind the façade of the American dream.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
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To consider Karaban as anything but an abject success story is absurd.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The selloff wasn’t irrational panic.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
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Techlash is not irrational fear of innovation.—
Maha Hosain Aziz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
What the staff and workers have done in this span of time has been incredible.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
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As pontiff, Leo wields incredible power and influence — but in truth, the message isn’t new.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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But the brief, costly, impractical service still became one of the most romanticized episodes in American history—a legacy wildly disproportionate to its lifespan.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
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The creator notes the concept suits cabins, RVs, and off-grid structures particularly well — anywhere grid ties are impractical or expensive.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The group never uses the word unless there is something silly going on.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
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For Grabinski, what unites all of these projects is the fine art of creating a world that is emotionally smart yet deeply silly, fun, and expressive.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The rotating space station demonstrates centrifugal artificial gravity, reflecting concepts studied by real aerospace engineers.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
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Its rotating space station demonstrates centrifugal artificial gravity, reflecting concepts studied by real aerospace engineers.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unrealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrealistic. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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