Definition of realism
1 : concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2a : a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind; specifically : the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary realityb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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 of realism from the Web
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The dialogue also occasionally wanders away from realism, sounding slightly more like a critical analysis of the subjects raised than the way the characters might speak about the subject, but this is rare and forgivable.
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Gallery 209 opening and reception Sculptor Gordon E. Lyon exhibits semiabstract works to actual subjects along with 11 other artists, whose work ranges from abstract to realism.
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The make-believe sets, like Jay Gatsby’s flimsy mansion, tremble in the gusts of an invading realism.
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The same attention to the details of realism applies to the audio — visitors hear the sounds of frogs, insects and other creatures, and at night, the cries of nocturnal animals.
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A touch of realism was added thanks to the help of makeup artists with fake blood, urine and vomit, as well as prosthesis and special effects makeup to create injuries and wounds based on descriptions provided by medical doctors.
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Animal Kingdom, after all, puts an emphasis on realism — living, not mechanical, animals, and themed-lands based upon true-life versions of Africa and Asia.
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With smart marketing, Nyoni's bold fusion of folklore, social comment, magical realism and her own family heritage could even translate into breakout word-of-mouth success akin to the tonally similar Beasts of the Southern Wild.
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High-def porn offers a level of realism that standard definition just can’t touch, promoting a more intimate viewing experience through clarity and nuance.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'realism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of realism
1817
REALISM Defined for English Language Learners
realism
playDefinition of realism for English Language Learners
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: the quality of a person who understands what is real and possible in a particular situation and is able to deal with problems in an effective and practical way
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: the quality of being very much like real life : the quality of seeming to be real
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: a style of art or literature that shows or describes people and things as they are in real life
REALISM Defined for Kids
realism
playDefinition of realism for Students
: willingness to face facts or to give in to what is necessary
Learn More about realism
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See words that rhyme with realism Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for realism Spanish Central: Translation of realism Nglish: Translation of realism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of realism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about realism
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