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
Great reality checks that all online kids need, more than once.
—
Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023
In the age of the smartwatch? Time for a reality check: Quartz analog wristwatches actually accounted for close to three-quarters of the market for conventional wristwatches in recent years, according to data compiled by the research firm Gitnux.
—IEEE Spectrum, 17 Nov. 2023
Courtesy of Nichol Bradford The experience of taking care of an elder with progressive heart disease has offered an ongoing reality check, Bradford says.
—Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023
Mark Marchand had his reality check in the summer of 1981.
—Daniel Golden, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2023
The stream of disasters are providing a tough reality check for throngs of people who are exploring the world in force this peak travel season, seeking a release after staying home or close to it during the early years of the pandemic.
—Hannah Sampson, Andrea Sachs and Sofia Andrade, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Aug. 2023
And — reality check — all credit card debt is expensive today, since rates are at record highs.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 3 Oct. 2023
Our new actuarial analysis, released this week by Paragon Health Institute, serves as a reality check.
—Daniel Cruz, National Review, 23 Sep. 2023
When the impulsive Moon in your finance sector agitates practical Saturn in your partnership zone, the prospect of getting money involved should serve as a useful reality check.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2023
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Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023
In the age of the smartwatch? Time for a reality check: Quartz analog wristwatches actually accounted for close to three-quarters of the market for conventional wristwatches in recent years, according to data compiled by the research firm Gitnux.
—IEEE Spectrum, 17 Nov. 2023
Courtesy of Nichol Bradford The experience of taking care of an elder with progressive heart disease has offered an ongoing reality check, Bradford says.
—Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023
Mark Marchand had his reality check in the summer of 1981.
—Daniel Golden, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2023
The stream of disasters are providing a tough reality check for throngs of people who are exploring the world in force this peak travel season, seeking a release after staying home or close to it during the early years of the pandemic.
—Hannah Sampson, Andrea Sachs and Sofia Andrade, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Aug. 2023
And — reality check — all credit card debt is expensive today, since rates are at record highs.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 3 Oct. 2023
Our new actuarial analysis, released this week by Paragon Health Institute, serves as a reality check.
—Daniel Cruz, National Review, 23 Sep. 2023
When the impulsive Moon in your finance sector agitates practical Saturn in your partnership zone, the prospect of getting money involved should serve as a useful reality check.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reality check.' 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
1960, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near reality check
Cite this Entry
“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.
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