naturalistic

adjective

nat·​u·​ral·​is·​tic ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-ˈli-stik How to pronounce naturalistic (audio)
variants or less commonly naturalist
: of, characterized by, or according with naturalism
naturalistically adverb

Examples of naturalistic in a Sentence

The zoo strives to create naturalistic settings for the animals. the movie's volcanic eruption is so naturalistic that it's easy to forget that it all came out of a computer
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.
There’s still room for ‘modern meadows’ where more naturalistic, wild designs meet refined borders and simplicity—providing a little distinction helps each area of your garden feel more intentional. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 This funds Saverino the naturalistic tonal shifts into her character’s feminist, middle-aged adult self, summoning memories and deductions about the lives of her grandmother and mother. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025 And if a risk-free, stars-only safe space is the sole way to glimpse them in a more naturalistic mode, that seems to be a trade-off that millions are willing to make. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025 Along edges of naturalistic areas. Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for naturalistic

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of naturalistic was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalistic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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