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.
—
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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Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.—
Marina Watts,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 June 2026
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One year after Saratoga Nights was introduced to revitalize downtown foot traffic, its organizers are evaluating how to make the event series better this year with more food offerings and more diverse entertainment.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
Noun
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The current 2% village amusement tax, originally introduced in 2019, is applied on the entry fees to all forms of discretionary entertainment, like going to the movie theater, watching a play or musical, visiting an amusement park or attending a sporting event.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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The word has always carried the sense of a mild or gentle expression of pleasure or amusement.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Sitting close to Warriors guard and Valkyries superfan Brandin Podziemski, not even 3-2 Giants loss could detract from her enjoyment of a beautiful day by the water.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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But for your indoor enjoyment, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
24 May 2026
Noun
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The spa With 11 treatment rooms, including a couples’ area, and men’s and women’s relaxation areas with hydrotherapy areas, the spa is a substantial amenity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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Make waves at this pool party featuring relaxation, dancing, an extensive lineup of drag and burlesque performances and beats by Mothership Connection.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escapism. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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