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
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
Despite concerns about the realism of deliverability - 44 percent of those polled by NBC still considered Mamdani's plans realistic, compared to 58 percent for Cuomo - the main issue for voters polled was affordability, at 55 percent.
—
Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
In recent years, Bleed had continued recording and performing, maintaining a loyal fan base drawn to his signature mix of southern wisdom and lyrical realism.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Set during the Yongle Era, Xixi said that Blade of Vengeance would break from the norm and the in-world drama would focus on realism and logic rather than fantastical feats, with the production emphasizing the real location shooting and hard-hitting action.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
With words infallibly falling short, Pritam mingled realism with a fragmentary style of narration that meshes together social encounters, violent episodes, vivid metaphors, disturbing dreams, memories, intimate self-reflections, and introspection on society.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
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Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
In recent years, Bleed had continued recording and performing, maintaining a loyal fan base drawn to his signature mix of southern wisdom and lyrical realism.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Set during the Yongle Era, Xixi said that Blade of Vengeance would break from the norm and the in-world drama would focus on realism and logic rather than fantastical feats, with the production emphasizing the real location shooting and hard-hitting action.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
With words infallibly falling short, Pritam mingled realism with a fragmentary style of narration that meshes together social encounters, violent episodes, vivid metaphors, disturbing dreams, memories, intimate self-reflections, and introspection on society.
—JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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