naturalism

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ism ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts

2

: a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance

specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena

3

: realism in art or literature

specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

Synonyms

• realism

Examples of naturalism in a Sentence

a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

If Mercedes’ Marisol were less melodramatic and more in tune with the naturalism of her castmates, this could be a truly masterful staging. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 10 Oct. 2025

But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism. —Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025

Despite that notable change, watching One Battle After Another is much like the experience of reading Pynchon, who lurches from high comedy to stomach-turning naturalism and punctuates plot-heavy sequences with little grace notes of character portraiture. —Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025

Needless to say, Zhao’s signature naturalism serves Agnes well. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for naturalism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism