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
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
In terms of execution, they can largely be categorized within the realm of cinematic naturalism.
—
Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
But the naturalism had a function that went beyond popular accessibility.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
On the one side stood religious fundamentalism with its insistence on a literal reading of scripture and submission to institutional authority; on the other stood scientific naturalism with its insistence that only empirical methods were valid routes to knowledge.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
One thing that struck me about the film was the richness and naturalism to the cinematography and locations.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
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.
Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
But the naturalism had a function that went beyond popular accessibility.
—Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
On the one side stood religious fundamentalism with its insistence on a literal reading of scripture and submission to institutional authority; on the other stood scientific naturalism with its insistence that only empirical methods were valid routes to knowledge.
—Ben Woollard, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
One thing that struck me about the film was the richness and naturalism to the cinematography and locations.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share