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

The Museum of Make Believe is an enchanting place of magical realism that is the brainchild of artist Geoff Mitchell and his wife, writer Amy Mitchell. —Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 24 Nov. 2025

But such accuracy has little to do with the pleasures of realism. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

The film’s blend of social and quiet magical realism promises a distinctive, atmospheric aesthetic. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 Nov. 2025

Sound is a main character and an emotional force in this film and is built on stark realism. —Martin Dale, Variety, 22 Nov. 2025

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