reality check
noun
: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception
Examples of reality check in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This was just a nice comeuppance for a person who needs a little reality check.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Such work would be an important reality check as society grapples with this kind of emerging threat from AI, says Casadevall, but would be tricky to do, as it might be precluded by international treaties prohibiting the development of biological weapons.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
What all of this also means for Rashada, the former 4-star prep star from the Bay Area, is a reality check.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Year-end predictions get all the attention, but real innovation demands a mid-year reality check.
—Freddy Kuo, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality check
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.
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
Such work would be an important reality check as society grapples with this kind of emerging threat from AI, says Casadevall, but would be tricky to do, as it might be precluded by international treaties prohibiting the development of biological weapons.
—Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025
What all of this also means for Rashada, the former 4-star prep star from the Bay Area, is a reality check.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Year-end predictions get all the attention, but real innovation demands a mid-year reality check.
—Freddy Kuo, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reality check
Cite this Entry
“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share