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 of realism

• 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

But Youm uses light and color to temper that realism, lending the animals’ experiences in the African landscape the warmth and wonder of a storybook illustration. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

Srinuan said the episode showed him how far the studio went for realism, and that realism is what makes its universe flexible. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026

This electric fireplace offers a glowing bed of faux embers that adds to its realism. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

Balance Hope With Realism Balancing a message of hope with realism can prove to be challenging but represents the right way to approach these situations. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing realism

• anti-realism
• magical 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