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 While Maddie and Mackenzie have stayed in the spotlight since their stint on the hit Lifetime reality dancing show, their siblings' lives are kept mostly private. Mckinley Franklin, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 But Lowe wisely saves the most definitive demise for the thought of being beholden to romantic flights of fancy rather than the realities of a relationship that goes two ways. Stephen Saito, Variety, 16 Mar. 2024 Oleksii accepted his fate, but his experience has served as a warning to others about the realities on the front. Serhiy Morgunov, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 In fact, every word is to some degree abstracted from reality. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024 But it is completely detached from reality on the ground. The Editors, National Review, 15 Mar. 2024 That is increasingly at odds with the reality of regular air raid sirens and deadly Ukrainian missile and drone strikes on the city, including one on Thursday that killed two people and injured 19. Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Dads do their best to protect their little girls and guide them through the challenging realities of the world. Celeste Polanco, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 In reality, experts say Biden’s new rule essentially restores the federal approach to gig work that was in place under President Obama. Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reality.' 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

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality was circa 1513

Dictionary Entries Near reality

Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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