as in very
happening in the real world rather than in a story
real-life problems a real-life drama
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of real-life
Two-time Academy Award nominee Richard Harris stepped into the role of Marcus Aurelius, based on the real-life emperor.
—
Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Perhaps what will save women from death and undeath are the small, real-life stories, the tiny acts of sympathy and care.
—Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
The book's main character — Cheese — was inspired by her real-life rescue dog, who was known for chasing squirrels and bringing energy into her life.
—Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 4 May 2026
It was inspired by a real-life account of a French diplomat who has a Chinese mistress for 20 years, seemingly unaware that his paramour is actually a man, and a Communist spy.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Perhaps what will save women from death and undeath are the small, real-life stories, the tiny acts of sympathy and care.
—Literary Hub, 5 May 2026
The book's main character — Cheese — was inspired by her real-life rescue dog, who was known for chasing squirrels and bringing energy into her life.
—Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 4 May 2026
It was inspired by a real-life account of a French diplomat who has a Chinese mistress for 20 years, seemingly unaware that his paramour is actually a man, and a Communist spy.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real-life
Adjective
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The kind of storm leaving Maxey resigned to the very idea of defeat before the halftime break.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
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The profits from these amateur community shows funded the very infrastructure of Jim Crow America, from paving streets, financing university buildings, and building the hospitals and schools that Black citizens were systematically excluded from using.—
Erik Pedersen,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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The upstairs of Niall’s house was a set, and the actual dinner table was someone’s home.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
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Students and faculty use it for notes, study guides and even actual final exams.—
Asal Rezaei,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Path toward real-world use The researchers now plan to improve manufacturing consistency and reduce calibration requirements before commercial deployment.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 May 2026
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These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Every year, Ed Resnick, the owner of Event Carpet, crosses the street from the Met to hand out leftover pieces from the real carpet to fans.—
Dalila Muata,
NBC news,
5 May 2026
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The only real opportunity for Cubs fans to experience Wrigley’s last look of elegance occurs if the Cubs play in late October or early November in the World Series.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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As the Timberwolves desperately searched for an equalizer in the final five minutes, Notre Dame goaltender Kendra DeLawter stood tall in net, robbing two point-blank attempts to preserve the lead for the Cougars.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
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Leading 4-1 in the fourth, the Falcons had runners on first and second with one out and a chance to extend the lead, but Bram Schwartz came out of the bullpen to get the final two outs, and then pitch a scoreless fifth.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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In person, Magyar gives every indication of being magnanimous and down-to-earth, smiling easily, thanking everyone profusely, and treating his son with what looks like authentic affection, even when the cameras aren’t rolling.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
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But more than anything, Bolles is authentic in a world that is disconnected by social media and polarized by politics.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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That then belies that the captive insurance company is a bona fide enterprise risk management tool but is instead a tax shelter.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
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The Knicks look like bona fide title contenders.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real-life. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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