reality

noun

re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
a(1)
: a real event, entity, or state of affairs
his dream became a reality
(2)
: the totality of real things and events
trying to escape from reality
b
: something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3
: television programming that features people (especially people who are not professional actors) dealing with real-life situations or participating in contrived activities (such as competitions)
I for one am rooting for anything that stems the rising tide of reality on television.Ted Cox
… it's a tough choice between The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. … If reality means nothing to you, then you're faced with a medical drama, a superhero drama and comedies.Chris Harnick
usually used before another noun
reality stars
a reality series
reality shows
fans of reality TV/television
… critical judge Simon Cowell praised him as "the best magician ever" on the Britain's Got Talent reality competition.Markos Papadatos
The Arkansas native competing on the popular reality dating show The Bachelor has advanced to become one of only three remaining contestants.arkansasonline.com
… beat out 20,000 applicants to become one of 18 final contestants on Hell's Kitchen, the reality cooking show that banks on aspiring chefs' ambition (and vulnerabilities) and chef Gordon Ramsay's volatility.Sarah Reiss
Phrases
in reality
: in actual fact

Examples of reality in a Sentence

the difference between fiction and reality The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house. He used television as an escape from reality. They made the plan a reality.
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.
Already, some argue, the world's most powerful military bloc appears to be scrambling to adapt to the new reality of an emerging form of modern warfare in which Moscow has heavily invested. Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 And revenue itself, on a fundamental level, features both core truths—and discretionary realities. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025 With both her new movie and stage play, Squibb is pleased to be telling stories that show the realities of aging for women. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025 On Sunday, Adams acknowledged reality. Eric Lach, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reality

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality was circa 1513

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

reality

noun
re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
: someone or something real or actual
our dream became a reality
3
: television programming that shows videos of actual occurrences (as police chases, stunts, or natural disasters)

More from Merriam-Webster on reality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!