magic realism

noun

1
usually magical realism : fiction associated especially with Latin America that uses fantastic or mythic elements to heighten a realistic story
2
: painting in a meticulously realistic style of imaginary or fantastic scenes or images
magic realist noun

Examples of magic realism 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 biggest challenge was to build this magic realism, which has no place, no time. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025 Her work is extremely diverse, covering aspects of magic realism, suspense, historical fiction, mythology, and fantasy. Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025 Gender dynamics depicted through the prism of allegory and magic realism. John Hopewell, Variety, 12 June 2025 This is graceful, quietly intelligent filmmaking—including a touch of unsentimental magic realism involving a wise and beautiful Norwegian Forest Cat. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for magic realism

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of magic realism was in 1933

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magic realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magic%20realism. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on magic realism

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!