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
In other words, how to elevate his naturalism, his humble saints and martyrs with their common faces, by choreographing light in such a way that, if not unnatural, was at least highly theatrical, and achieved the sublime mystery of awe.
—
Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
-
But Todd wears his realism well, finding a nice mix between earnestly romantic and achingly self-aware.—
Jon Dolan,
Rolling Stone,
4 June 2026
-
Public policy should be grounded in that realism.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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