1
: able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way
He tried to be realistic about the situation.
We have to be realistic and accept the fact that these problems cannot be solved easily.
2
: based on what is real rather than on what is wanted or hoped for : sensible and appropriate
The plan is not very realistic.
a realistic approach/goal
It's not realistic to expect people to spend that much money on wedding gifts.
3
: showing people and things as they are in real life
a realistic painting/novel/description
The battle scene in the movie was very realistic. [=it seemed very much like a real battle]
Cite this Entry
“Realistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/realistic. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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