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

• literalism
• naturalism
• representationalism
• verisimilitude
• verismo

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

Take Samantha Zimmermann, a fine artist whose motorsports realism captures both the technical precision and emotional sensations evoked in racing. —Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

The fact that any new show like The Pitt can immediately resonate with fans — not to mention the medical world that appreciates the gritty realism — is a bit of a head-scratcher for the team behind the Warner Bros. drama. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 12 June 2025

Yet Boyson shoots it all in a style of threadbare realism that draws you into the central relationship. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 June 2025

While the theme of mortality is threaded throughout the film, it is also balanced with hope, appreciation and more than a dab of realism. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 June 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