naturalistic

adjective

nat·​u·​ral·​is·​tic ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-ˈli-stik 

variants or less commonly naturalist

ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-list 

: of, characterized by, or according with naturalism

naturalistically

ˌna-ch(ə-)rə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• realistic
• lifelike
• three-dimensional
• natural
• vivid
• living

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for naturalistic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• characteristic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic