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.
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of escapism
Zohar appears to assume that the public will choose escapism, and that state money won’t find its way to movies that ask hard questions.
—
Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
But at a moment when many people are in a perpetual state of gloominess — courtesy of the news, social media doomscrolling or streaming/cable dramas that confuse lack of literal illumination with profundity — the pleasantly sunny escapism is difficult to resent.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
And escapism is what so many are craving.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
For many, the obsession with the show goes deeper than lighthearted escapism.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2025
But at a moment when many people are in a perpetual state of gloominess — courtesy of the news, social media doomscrolling or streaming/cable dramas that confuse lack of literal illumination with profundity — the pleasantly sunny escapism is difficult to resent.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
And escapism is what so many are craving.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
For many, the obsession with the show goes deeper than lighthearted escapism.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escapism
Noun
-
Some are made for entertainment or education, while others focus on emotional support or companionship.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Headquartered in London, Longwave will focus on factual content for the global TV market across all unscripted genres – from investigative series, factual entertainment formats through to human interest stories.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, Harry, who remained seated, looked on and chuckled with amusement.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Dowdle got dinged after his second, much to the amusement of Adam Amin and Greg Olsen in the Fox broadcast booth.—
Luke DeCock,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Moviegoers' comic enjoyment was so prominent that at one point, a foul-mouthed viewer yelled for everyone to shut up.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
-
In almost every case, those who took photos reported greater levels of enjoyment.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Researchers suggested that future studies should include people who actually experience tingles to better understand how ASMR might help with mental health and relaxation.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
They’re marketed as a natural way to reduce inflammation, ease muscle pain, and promote relaxation or sleep post-workout.—
Ali Nolan,
Outside,
10 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escapism. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share