reality

noun

re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
a(1)
: a real event, entity, or state of affairs
his dream became a reality
(2)
: the totality of real things and events
trying to escape from reality
b
: something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3
: television programming that features people (especially people who are not professional actors) dealing with real-life situations or participating in contrived activities (such as competitions)
I for one am rooting for anything that stems the rising tide of reality on television.Ted Cox
… it's a tough choice between The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. … If reality means nothing to you, then you're faced with a medical drama, a superhero drama and comedies.Chris Harnick
usually used before another noun
reality stars
a reality series
reality shows
fans of reality TV/television
… critical judge Simon Cowell praised him as "the best magician ever" on the Britain's Got Talent reality competition.Markos Papadatos
The Arkansas native competing on the popular reality dating show The Bachelor has advanced to become one of only three remaining contestants.arkansasonline.com
… beat out 20,000 applicants to become one of 18 final contestants on Hell's Kitchen, the reality cooking show that banks on aspiring chefs' ambition (and vulnerabilities) and chef Gordon Ramsay's volatility.Sarah Reiss
Phrases
in reality
: in actual fact

Examples of reality in a Sentence

the difference between fiction and reality The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house. He used television as an escape from reality. They made the plan a reality.
Recent Examples on the Web Season 6 of the reality dating show premiered on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, with new episodes releasing weekly on Wednesday. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2024 But at this point in spring training, and with Garrett’s throwing progression still barely taking off, reality has sunk in. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 The new show was a ratings success and one of Netflix’s early forays into original reality programming, paving the way for future hits Selling Sunset, Love Is Blind, and The Circle. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 Then, in 2021, SSC North America turned a claim into reality, cementing the SSC Tuatara’s spot among the fastest ever. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 The new realities make clear that some change is needed, but sponsors of the current effort have been careful not to completely gut Prop. 47. Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 The reality star, who shared two children with Gutierrez, was moving an ATV from one parking spot to another in front of his home in Boone, North Carolina on Feb. 28 when the tragedy happened, his mother, Mary Hobbs, told The U.S. Sun. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The reality star, who shared two children with his ex Gutierrez, was driving an ATV near his home in Boone, North Carolina, when a horrific accident occurred. Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Despite what Bravo promotes, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina isn’t only for housewives and reality television professionals. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality was circa 1513

Dictionary Entries Near reality

Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reality

noun
re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
: someone or something real or actual
our dream became a reality
3
: television programming that shows videos of actual occurrences (as police chases, stunts, or natural disasters)

More from Merriam-Webster on reality

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