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

That uncertainty extends to the film itself, which slips between psychological drama, comedy and magical realism without settling comfortably into any of them. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026

And as a non-New Yorker, but as someone who, for instance, lives in London and has spent a lot of time there, bringing all of that detail, cultural realism, and history to a place in London, in England, is really difficult. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026

There was so much realism to Claire and Dylan’s interactions, especially. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2026

Whereas Marvel Tokon looks unforgettable, Wolverine's bland stab at realism looks like little more than another boring bootleg movie. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 11 Aug. 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