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

The mockumentary is packed with amazing deadpan performances by young actors whose comic timing and naturalism make for consistently hilarious television. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025

This half-hearted interest in naturalism hurts more than helps. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025

Originally an editor of literary magazines specializing in the newly fashionable French naturalism, [Kafu] abandoned that work in order to embark on a life investigating Tokyo’s erotic underworld. —Damon Wise, Deadline, 14 May 2025

Those moments of naturalism work better than many of the shots taking place outside of the car, which often use glaringly heavy-handed lighting to insinuate who we’re supposed to see as good and evil. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 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