plural realities
1
: the true situation that exists : the real situation
He refused to face/accept reality. [=the truth]
the difference between fiction/fantasy and reality
She's out of touch with reality. [=she does not know what is really true]
The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house.
He used television as an escape from reality.
2
: something that actually exists or happens : a real event, occurrence, situation, etc.
The movie shows the harsh/grim/stark realities of war. [=the things that really happen in a war]
Her dream of competing in the Olympics became a reality. [=she competed in the Olympics, as she had dreamed of doing]
They made the plan a reality.
always used before a noun
—used to describe television shows in which people who are not actors are shown living with, dealing with, and often competing against each other in real-life situations
reality television/TV/shows
Cite this Entry
“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/reality. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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