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
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
The collection of paintings have a sense of magical realism and depict androgynous figures such as Élan, Espoir, Charmeur, Chagrin, Résonance, Allusion, Protection, Possession, and Shadow.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The effect is that this drama of male interference never quite concludes—a bit of realism Kitamura renders through the surreal.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
The characters in Megan Howell’s short stories, which glide into scenes of magical realism, are lonely people facing the harsh realities of an often violent world and fumbling toward something more hopeful.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
His ability to craft compelling narratives within his matches and his commitment to realism and in-ring excellence sets him apart from his peers.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
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Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The effect is that this drama of male interference never quite concludes—a bit of realism Kitamura renders through the surreal.
—Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
The characters in Megan Howell’s short stories, which glide into scenes of magical realism, are lonely people facing the harsh realities of an often violent world and fumbling toward something more hopeful.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025
His ability to craft compelling narratives within his matches and his commitment to realism and in-ring excellence sets him apart from his peers.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 16 Apr. 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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