reality
noun
re·al·i·ty
rē-ˈa-lə-tē 
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
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 nounChris Harnickreality 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
Markos PapadatosThe Arkansas native competing on the popular reality dating show The Bachelor has advanced to become one of only three remaining contestants.—arkansasonline.com
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
Sarah ReissExamples 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
Many travelers take advantage of Copa Airlines' unique Panama Stopover Program to make their Bocas del Toro visit a reality.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Yet, for some, the new, precarious security reality that Europe is facing means that previous red lines are now up for discussion.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
At the heart of this guilt is often separation anxiety — a reality shaped by the travel demands of playing in the WNBA.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025
Yet, for some, the new, precarious security reality that Europe is facing means that previous red lines are now up for discussion.
—Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 May 2025
At the heart of this guilt is often separation anxiety — a reality shaped by the travel demands of playing in the WNBA.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality
Cite this Entry
“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reality
noun
re·al·i·ty
rē-ˈal-ət-ē
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share