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 See More

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality check was in 1960

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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