reality check

noun

: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception

Examples of reality check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Keeping that in mind, ESPN senior writer Tim Bontemps has sent out a brutal reality check about James. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025 Looks like even the most elaborate stagecraft sometimes needs a reality check. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 But here’s the reality check: most mortgage qualification criteria are still limited by income tests. Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 An emissions reality check Heavy industry is widely viewed as the toughest part of the economy to clean up. Andres Clarens, The Conversation, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reality check

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality check was in 1960

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Cite this Entry

“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 27 Jul. 2025.

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