as in realism
realistic depiction in art and literature
a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment
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Recent Examples of naturalism
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—
Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Despite that notable change, watching One Battle After Another is much like the experience of reading Pynchon, who lurches from high comedy to stomach-turning naturalism and punctuates plot-heavy sequences with little grace notes of character portraiture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
As always, Reichardt’s impeccable craft is front and center: the film’s naturalism and remarkable period detail creating a portrait of unerring authenticity and psychological mystery.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Carrie Battan, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2025
Despite that notable change, watching One Battle After Another is much like the experience of reading Pynchon, who lurches from high comedy to stomach-turning naturalism and punctuates plot-heavy sequences with little grace notes of character portraiture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
As always, Reichardt’s impeccable craft is front and center: the film’s naturalism and remarkable period detail creating a portrait of unerring authenticity and psychological mystery.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
-
The realism is clean, the staging deliberate, the narrative clarity unmistakable.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
That verisimilitude functioned as a solvent, lending credibility and urgency to elements of the show that might otherwise register as pure cheese; the medical realism and sentimental flourishes were mutually reinforcing.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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