realism

noun

re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce realism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for realism

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of realism was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

realism

noun
re·​al·​ism ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce realism (audio)
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 adjective or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on realism

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