Definition of naturalismnext
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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of naturalism Da Costa realizes that journey with unforced naturalism, as if the camera just happened to be there to capture it. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Their outsize presence in mythological paintings is of course not a question of reality—of naturalism—at all. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures. The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 In animation, every robot is ‘real’ within the context of its own work; each one exists according to that story’s particular worldview, sense of naturalism, and understanding of humanity. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
  • Over the past decade, style has seen our closets focus on ‘clean’ realism—those polished, monochromatic staples that blur our on and off-duty lives.
    Julia Hobbs, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Subverting the unassuming realism of the city with the twisted unreality of this level design not only heightens the uncanny factor but also unlocks more design creativity.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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