as in entertainment
an activity that allows people to forget about the real problems of life
The movie is pure escapism. Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.
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Recent Examples of escapism
These needs can involve escapism, the search for information, or social utility.
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Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Across its many subgenres, reality television is a format that contains multitudes, including competition, luxury, romance, aspirational support or instruction, scopophilia, pure escapism, and, at its most shameless (and sometimes, yes, gratifying), a heaping portion of schadenfreude.
—Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
Their transformation could potentially unfold through disillusionment, learning how to separate fantasy from reality after periods of escapism, emotional overwhelm and losing themselves in people, dreams or the impossible.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
Oh, and escapism, in the form of a human-like octopus who helps lost souls find each other.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
Across its many subgenres, reality television is a format that contains multitudes, including competition, luxury, romance, aspirational support or instruction, scopophilia, pure escapism, and, at its most shameless (and sometimes, yes, gratifying), a heaping portion of schadenfreude.
—Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
Their transformation could potentially unfold through disillusionment, learning how to separate fantasy from reality after periods of escapism, emotional overwhelm and losing themselves in people, dreams or the impossible.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
Oh, and escapism, in the form of a human-like octopus who helps lost souls find each other.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escapism
Noun
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Tadka, the microdrama platform within leading Indian streamer JioHotstar, has crossed 100 million users, establishing premium short-form content as a mainstream entertainment category in India.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
11 June 2026
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This week, industry executives told me that generative AI adoption is accelerating as producers seek to meet rising content demand in the country’s $32 billion media and entertainment sector while navigating tighter budgets.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
11 June 2026
Noun
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From across the street, Leonor watched with amusement.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
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Eyghon is a demon the quartet had conjured for amusement in their youth.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 June 2026
Noun
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There’s an offer to retrieve the fruit to prepare it for easier enjoyment.—
Carrie Bell,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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Children and parents alike can expect a day of wild education – perhaps culminating in taking home their own leafy guy or gal, to provide endless hours of meat-eating enjoyment this summer.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
11 June 2026
Noun
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The devices detected increases in brain waves linked to relaxation and focus – theta, theta-alpha, alpha and beta-1 brain waves – while measuring decreases in delta and gamma-1 brain waves, which suggest less drowsiness and less mind-wandering.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
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Guests can look forward to an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and lounge, and a stunning rooftop pool and bar designed for ultimate relaxation.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escapism. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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