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

• 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

Also, a romance arc was added to the legal realism, which led to the filming in Hong Kong, recapturing scenes of a previous meeting between Lee and Mun’s characters. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Blending comedy, magical realism and emotional depth, the story explores intergenerational trauma, identity and belonging. —Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 29 July 2025

Each vehicle carries a plastic coyote dummy, blending just the right amount of realism and intimidation, all for about $3,000 each. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2025

Our team had to fight for the careful balance between realism and compelling storytelling. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 16 July 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