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
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
Tucked between multiple waterways surrounding Christiansted, the island’s capital city, Undercover Books makes a concerted effort to offer its visitors more than escapism.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
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
Tucked between multiple waterways surrounding Christiansted, the island’s capital city, Undercover Books makes a concerted effort to offer its visitors more than escapism.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escapism
Noun
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Robert and Susan founded the entertainment company Team Downey, which has produced Perry Mason, The Sympathizer, Play Dirty and more.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
20 May 2026
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The podcast will explore how Latinos are leaving their imprint on the world of entertainment and beyond, from the emergence of young Hollywood talent to the global dominance of Latin music.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Steel Pier still anchors much of its amusement culture—stretching over the ocean, the historic site is filled with midway games, rides, carnival lights, and the Observation Wheel, which gives wide views over the shoreline, casinos, and boardwalk.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
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Its real draw, though, is Italian artist Gianpaolo Pagni’s design inspired by the late-19th-century American amusement act in which horses jumped from up to 60 feet into tanks of water.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
23 May 2026
Noun
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When the Moon enters Taurus, enjoyment gives your confidence something solid to build on.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
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Ben Shapiro’s heartwarming enjoyment of musical theater?—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Some owners choose to rent out their properties, while others prefer to keep their space all to themselves, returning frequently for a bit of rest and relaxation.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
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The economic reality is that, despite Putin’s tough guy bluster and despite higher oil and gas prices as well as the unwise relaxation of energy sanctions on Russia, Putin’s house of cards is still more vulnerable than many realize.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escapism. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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