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
Though the show may seem like a perfectly picturesque, saccharine snow globe at first glance, there's a bite woven in, at times acerbic, at times deeply dramatic in a real-life way.
—
Anika Reed, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Jaafar Jackson, the pop star's real-life nephew, leads the cast as Michael.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Everglades The Everglades is a real-life attraction, and a must-do during staycations and dragging the relatives around town during their vacations.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Black recently aligned with his real-life wife, Zelina, after turning heel.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Anika Reed, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Jaafar Jackson, the pop star's real-life nephew, leads the cast as Michael.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Everglades The Everglades is a real-life attraction, and a must-do during staycations and dragging the relatives around town during their vacations.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Black recently aligned with his real-life wife, Zelina, after turning heel.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real-life
Adjective
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That makes the very idea of awards in literature filled with landmines.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
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With nine-figure contracts, record absorption, and buyers choosing condos over even the most coveted co-ops and townhouses, 2025 may be remembered as the year Lower Manhattan fully claimed its place at the very top of New York’s luxury housing market.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Carote 16-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set The right nonstick cookware can be an actual kitchen game changer—and Carote’s 16-piece set delivers on that promise.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Acting as a proactive digital assistant, the OLLOBOT also provides timely, real-world reminders.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Automakers still have to turn those tools into systems that can safely operate on public roads—navigating regulatory scrutiny, real-world driving conditions, and public acceptance.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The defense bent a lot and didn’t break often but didn’t have any real signature plays.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy.—
Liz Provencher,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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After Flora’s go-ahead punt return score and Payne’s fumble, Becht had two important conversions on the Cyclones’ final drive.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Through her book, coaching programs, and authentic voice, Keisha Leilani empowers women to embrace their confidence and express themselves fully.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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To embody the Like a Rolling Stone singer, the actor trained extensively, including five years of preparation, to learn to sing as well as play guitar and harmonica, and to work with dialect and movement coaches to make his performance feel authentic.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Given that the Packers don't have a bona fide star at the wide receiver position, this injury will give them a steep mountain to climb the rest of the way.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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London transportation has two bona fide icons — the black cab and the red double-decker bus.—
Susanne Fowler,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real-life. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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