naturalism

nat·u·ral·ism | \ ˈna-chə-rə-ˌli-zəm

How to pronounce naturalism (audio)

, ˈnach-rə- \

Definition of naturalism

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

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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 naturalism of the cinematography and acting sometimes clashes with dialogue that seems overly polished. — NBC News, "Review: Jordan and Foxx shine in urgent drama 'Just Mercy'," 30 Dec. 2019 Clearly, this is Jones’s way of dealing with the strangeness of the play, which isn’t amenable to naturalism because Horvath isn’t interested in truth. — Jesse Green, New York Times, "Review: ‘Judgment Day,’ an Allegory of Blame, Goes Big," 11 Dec. 2019 His direction here combines rigorous naturalism with a quietly symphonic undertow to great effect, echoed in the unsettling strains of Fitz Patton's transitional music and the somber shades of Yi Zhao's lighting. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Greater Clements': Theater Review," 10 Dec. 2019 Adam Bock’s drama, directed by Trip Cullman for the Williamstown Theater Festival, set you up to expect nothing but naturalism from a handful of recovering alcoholics and drug addicts preparing coffee for their 12-step meetings. — Ben Brantley, New York Times, "Best Theater of 2019," 3 Dec. 2019 Aurora, like many of Fanning’s performances, is a welcome dash of naturalism amid all the CGI action. — Jake Coyle, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: In ‘Mistress of Evil,’ Maleficent plays mom," 15 Oct. 2019 Aurora, like many of Fanning’s performances, is a welcome dash of naturalism amid all the CGI action. — Jake Coyle, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: In ‘Mistress of Evil,’ Maleficent plays mom," 15 Oct. 2019 Aurora, like many of Fanning’s performances, is a welcome dash of naturalism amid all the CGI action. — Jake Coyle, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: In ‘Mistress of Evil,’ Maleficent plays mom," 15 Oct. 2019 Aurora, like many of Fanning’s performances, is a welcome dash of naturalism amid all the CGI action. — Jake Coyle, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: In ‘Mistress of Evil,’ Maleficent plays mom," 15 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'naturalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near naturalism

natural history

naturalistic fallacy

Statistics for naturalism

Last Updated

8 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Naturalism.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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