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

Taking inspiration regarding size – but not tone – from the large-scale epic works of the battle from the 19th century, Eric von Schmidt in 1976 painted the Seventh Cavalry’s defeat with brutal realism. — New York Times, 28 June 2026

Somehow, in just six years, Philly street rap has gone from the frenzied realism of $loan and Skiano to the minimalist choir-drill of Ot7Quanny and Skrilla to the muffled transmissions from the void of Tovi and HappyDranker. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

Joan Miró underwent something of a metamorphosis in 1924, according to Christie’s, breaking away from realism and entering the world of surreal, mystical creations. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 June 2026

The 27-inch display features 2K Quad HD resolution, HDR10 support, and a 101% DCI-P3 color gamut to deliver vibrant colors and a sense of realism. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 23 June 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