realism

noun

re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary

2

a

: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind

specifically : the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality

b

: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism

3

: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization

Synonyms

• naturalism
• verisimilitude

Examples of realism in a Sentence

He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.

The realism of her dream was alarming.

the stark realism of the play

Recent Examples on the Web

Few other American directors better understand the authority that restrained realism can bring to bear on life-or-death material, or the way that character reveals itself through action. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025

As both realism and fantasy, his work disappointed people because there was never, some said, quite enough life in it. —Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025

But each show’s commitment to realism only extends to a certain point. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025

The filmmaker is also well known for making the MCU’s 2021 blockbuster Eternals, a departure from the realism of her previous films. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing realism

• anti-realism
• magic realism
• photo-realism
• socialist realism

Kids Definition

realism

noun

re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm 

ˈri-ə-

1

: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary

2

: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater

realist

-ləst 

adjective or noun