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

There’s a clear world-building contrast between the college timeline—more youthful, lived-in, glowing, imperfect realism—and the later timeline where the faces become more mature and constructed. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026

According to Tõnis Pill, filmmakers – and audiences – are growing weary of psychological realism and looking for new approaches. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

Beloved ’s revenant defies the dictates of realism according to which a character is a bounded individual. —Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

The premise plays with the supernatural, but Edwin insists the film’s true horror is its everyday economic realism. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 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