1
: the quality of a person who understands what is real and possible in a particular situation and is able to deal with problems in an effective and practical way
He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.
2
: the quality of being very much like real life : the quality of seeming to be real
The realism of her dream was alarming.
3
: a style of art or literature that shows or describes people and things as they are in real life
the stark realism of the play/painting
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/realism. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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