escapism
noun
es·cap·ism
i-ˈskā-ˌpi-zəm 
: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine
The movie is pure escapism.
Examples of escapism in a Sentence
Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.
Recent Examples on the Web
While people have often sought comfort in fantasy and escapism—as the popularity of romance novels and daytime soap operas attest—psychologists say that the way in which some people are using chatbots, and the blurring of the line between fantasy and real life, is unprecedented.
—
Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
Starring The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham, this 2018 romance film about a young woman who receives a magical advent calendar provides the perfect dose of escapism.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Librarians debated about whether patients should avoid reading books about their conditions, and whether or not reading should offer escapism or a chance to reflect on one’s problems.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Brooks’s years honing his craft writing prickly characters and witty repartee ensures that not all of this scans as mindless escapism.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escapism
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Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 26 Dec. 2025
Starring The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham, this 2018 romance film about a young woman who receives a magical advent calendar provides the perfect dose of escapism.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Librarians debated about whether patients should avoid reading books about their conditions, and whether or not reading should offer escapism or a chance to reflect on one’s problems.
—Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Brooks’s years honing his craft writing prickly characters and witty repartee ensures that not all of this scans as mindless escapism.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escapism. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
escapism
noun
es·cap·ism
is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm
: a habit of thinking or a form of entertainment about purely imaginary or amusing things that provides an escape from reality or everyday matters
Medical Definition
escapism
noun
es·cap·ism
is-ˈkā-ˌpiz-əm
: habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity or entertainment as an escape from reality or routine
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