naturalism
noun
nat·u·ral·ism
ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts
2
: a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance
specifically
: the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena
3
: realism in art or literature
specifically
: a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism
Examples of naturalism in a Sentence
a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment
Recent Examples on the Web
But Strong channels the spirit of people like Jack Nicholson and James Cagney in overpowering all our dumb assumptions about naturalism and authenticity.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
And speaking of the streets, show goers captured on-the-go had another vibe for the day: unapologetic naturalism.
—Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
In seeking this reconciliation, Kingsley rejected both scientific naturalism and religious fundamentalism.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
The transition from animation to live action wasn’t all that steep because DeBlois leaned into naturalism with the help of Deakins on the trilogy.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
And speaking of the streets, show goers captured on-the-go had another vibe for the day: unapologetic naturalism.
—Stixx Mathews, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
In seeking this reconciliation, Kingsley rejected both scientific naturalism and religious fundamentalism.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
The transition from animation to live action wasn’t all that steep because DeBlois leaned into naturalism with the help of Deakins on the trilogy.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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