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
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For Atlanta, the only positive is that the Knicks offered the Hawks the ultimate reality check on their place in the league. Matt Moret, New York Times, 7 May 2026 The data offers a reality check for the tokenization space, where major financial institutions including BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and JPMorgan have made plays. Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 6 May 2026 But here’s another reality check. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026 Your social life is getting a reality check. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reality check

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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