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

That was until his parents gave him a reality check about the lack of money and abundance of hard work often associated with the path. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

October 23 – November 21 Your schedule may be asking for a reality check before your body forces one. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Perhaps Iranian oil production going offline would be enough to finally act as a reality check. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 23 July 2026

Here's a reality check The lore of the wilderness has seeped into many different facets of modern life. — Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for reality check

• aztec
• breakneck
• codec
• exec
• mixtec
• paycheck
• pinchbeck
• recheck
• redneck
• toltec
• beck
• breck