hyperrealism

noun

hy·​per·​re·​al·​ism ˌhī-pər-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce hyperrealism (audio)
-ˈrēl-ˌi-
: realism in art characterized by depiction of real life in an unusual or striking manner compare photorealism
hyperrealist adjective
hyperrealistic adjective

Examples of hyperrealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The filmmakers avoid the trappings of hyperrealism while still rendering coherent feelings and emotions, often without external dialogue. Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 Working with Josh and Benny taught me so much about hyperrealism and immersing yourself fully in a world. Wengel Gemu, Vanity Fair, 15 Jan. 2026 One of her favorite pieces in the exhibit is a massive, hyperrealism painting by Alé Reviere. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025 Davies does a good job at moving in such a way that's human but also a little bit wild, which adds to the hyperrealism of a proudly oddball movie. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 The spring/summer 2024 collections leaned into hyperrealism through the use of artistic prints and appliques on ready-to-wear. Kendall Becker, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2024 Lately, though, new technology has made hyperrealism easier for humans to achieve, while simultaneously complicating the practice. Joshua Glass, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023 His style, raising ordinary dramatic realism to a sort of exuberant hyperrealism, makes the absurd plausible. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperrealism was in 1937

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperrealism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperrealism. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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