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 is all a reality check, whether McIlroy likes to admit it or not.
—
Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Despite growing up in Bermuda, an island that has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world, attending my first golf tournament was a total reality check.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Llama’s reality check arrives quickly Current AI models have a relatively limited short-term memory.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
This could be a sobering truth or reality check around your self-image, or a relationship that requires more serious commitment.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Apr. 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.
Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
Despite growing up in Bermuda, an island that has more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world, attending my first golf tournament was a total reality check.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Llama’s reality check arrives quickly Current AI models have a relatively limited short-term memory.
—ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025
This could be a sobering truth or reality check around your self-image, or a relationship that requires more serious commitment.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 3 Apr. 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 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share