realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2
a
: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind
specifically
: the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality
b
: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism
3
: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization
Synonyms
Examples of realism in a Sentence
He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.
The realism of her dream was alarming.
the stark realism of the play
Recent Examples on the Web
Creating a really neutral palette is more connected to the realism of actual hospitals and people’s personal experiences.
—
Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Related Stories Such moral realism stands out in what’s otherwise a proudly fantastical film.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
As the film moves from Guatemala to Mexico and then to the United States, Nava slowly splinters the magical realism Rosa and Enrique had grown up with.
—Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
And for Buddy, Vergara’s creation lends itself to realism along with humor.
—Michelle F. Solomon and, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for realism 
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Mark Peikert, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Related Stories Such moral realism stands out in what’s otherwise a proudly fantastical film.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
As the film moves from Guatemala to Mexico and then to the United States, Nava slowly splinters the magical realism Rosa and Enrique had grown up with.
—Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2025
And for Buddy, Vergara’s creation lends itself to realism along with humor.
—Michelle F. Solomon and, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for realism
Dictionary Entries Near realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm
ˈri-ə-
1
: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary
2
: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater
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