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

This is not a staging focused on hyper-realism but on providing a canvas for performance; Linda Buchanan’s set feels far more expansive than you’d have found on Chicago’s Music Row. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Its practical effects became a benchmark for realism, directly influencing later films such as Star Wars and Interstellar. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

Thrillers, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, realism, whatever. —Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026

In celebration of the slow burn of spring finally arriving, here are some of my favorite in literature—from Regency romance to magical realism. —Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 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