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

Franciszek Korolczuk is a Polish student filmmaker and music video director whose work blends narrative filmmaking with documentary realism. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 June 2026

The show will embrace magical realism. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 14 June 2026

His human figures hover at the edge of realism, like early-aughts computer graphics. —Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026

In fact, the views of the five England fans who spoke to The Athletic are dominated by clear-eyed realism and learned pessimism. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 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