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
The tongue-in-cheek and gleefully gory remake of a 1980s action fantasy is here for those needing some absurd escapism.
—
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Lest film noir be seen as purely the stuff of escapism, the hosts note that many of these music-centric films deal with issues of race and/or personal economics.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Most keep calm and create a compelling-enough distraction as if fulfilling marching orders, their escapism a duty.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
But beyond providing an indulgent, meta retrospective on the historical impact that the early 90s hit series had on Finland, Soap Fever also examines the circumstances in which the yearning for escapism reaches a breaking point, especially when everything seems bleak.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Lest film noir be seen as purely the stuff of escapism, the hosts note that many of these music-centric films deal with issues of race and/or personal economics.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Most keep calm and create a compelling-enough distraction as if fulfilling marching orders, their escapism a duty.
—Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
But beyond providing an indulgent, meta retrospective on the historical impact that the early 90s hit series had on Finland, Soap Fever also examines the circumstances in which the yearning for escapism reaches a breaking point, especially when everything seems bleak.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escapism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escapism
Noun
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In addition to founding CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network, Turner launched multiple TV and entertainment brands -- including Cartoon Network, TNT and Turner Classic Movies.—
Mason Leib,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
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The company’s entertainment streaming operation posted an 88% leap in operating income, reaching $582 million.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
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The animal’s body was no longer treated as a source of sustenance or knowledge, but rather as a prop for amusement.—
Sam Zeveloff,
STAT,
9 May 2026
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While the work’s English title might indicate a sense of amusement or distraction, the Chinese title is an idiom that refers to being caught in a dilemma, like a boat that has left one shore but has not yet reached the other.—
Pauline J. Yao,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
Noun
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The situation is tricky enough in the case of innovations that users voluntarily adopt—plenty of people do not let their dim view of Meta overly interfere with their enjoyment of Instagram.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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The Moon in Capricorn moves through your 5th House, opposing Jupiter in your 11th, highlighting personal enjoyment versus group obligations.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The Administration’s cowboy capture of the Venezuelan autocrat Nicolás Maduro, on January 3rd, prompted an airspace closure in the Caribbean, stranding many populations, none as humbled as the American tourists, gone to the islands for rest and relaxation over the winter holiday.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
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Hot and cold immersion has been linked to reduced inflammation, improved circulation, muscle relaxation and better sleep — outcomes a 60-minute massage cannot match.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escapism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escapism. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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