reality

noun

re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
a(1)
: a real event, entity, or state of affairs
his dream became a reality
(2)
: the totality of real things and events
trying to escape from reality
b
: something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3
: television programming that features people (especially people who are not professional actors) dealing with real-life situations or participating in contrived activities (such as competitions)
I for one am rooting for anything that stems the rising tide of reality on television.Ted Cox
… it's a tough choice between The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. … If reality means nothing to you, then you're faced with a medical drama, a superhero drama and comedies.Chris Harnick
usually used before another noun
reality stars
a reality series
reality shows
fans of reality TV/television
… critical judge Simon Cowell praised him as "the best magician ever" on the Britain's Got Talent reality competition.Markos Papadatos
The Arkansas native competing on the popular reality dating show The Bachelor has advanced to become one of only three remaining contestants.arkansasonline.com
… beat out 20,000 applicants to become one of 18 final contestants on Hell's Kitchen, the reality cooking show that banks on aspiring chefs' ambition (and vulnerabilities) and chef Gordon Ramsay's volatility.Sarah Reiss
Phrases
in reality
: in actual fact

Examples of reality in a Sentence

the difference between fiction and reality The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house. He used television as an escape from reality. They made the plan a reality.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That was guiding a lot of our decision making — how to land the plane in terms of the emotional realities that were going on in the film. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 May 2025 Revolutionary fervor and strict moral codes reshaped film, censoring depictions of gender, modern lifestyles, and social realities. Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 Transportation networks hardened to the realities of 2025 (and beyond) weather systems rather than those of the past. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Their reality has been shredded; they are literally demoralized, with the exception of one man, Pabst’s assistant, a scrupulous fellow who goes mad with dismay. David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for reality

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality was circa 1513

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Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

reality

noun
re·​al·​i·​ty rē-ˈal-ət-ē How to pronounce reality (audio)
plural realities
1
: the quality or state of being real
2
: someone or something real or actual
our dream became a reality
3
: television programming that shows videos of actual occurrences (as police chases, stunts, or natural disasters)

More from Merriam-Webster on reality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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