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 of realism

• naturalism
• verisimilitude

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

Instead, the director takes an abstract approach, venturing into magical realism. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 20 July 2026

Is realism based only on minds untouched by illness or some other distorting factor, or at least not so touched that that mind becomes, as my grandmother’s is, unbound? — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

In a statement, LACMA director and CEO Michael Govan connected Celmins’s blend of realism and imagination with Villeneuve’s contemplative and cerebral films. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026

For me, the gothic horror and magical realism aren’t simply stylistic choices. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing realism

• anti-realism
• magical realism
• magic realism
• photo-realism
• socialist realism

Kids 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

realist

-ləst 

adjective or noun