as in naturalism
realistic depiction in art and literature
using ordinary people as models, even when depicting the greatest of saints, Caravaggio brought an unforgiving realism to painting that was unprecedented
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of realism
Contemporary realism at Tory Folliard Bringing a refreshing perspective to the world around us, contemporary realist painters are at the center of Tory Folliard’s current exhibition.
—
Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The script had an innate realism.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026
This, and jokes like it, transcend absurd exaggeration to achieve something much closer to magical realism.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
The realism, and the rawness, of Burden of Justice, sets it apart from most Swedish TV fare, which can often be polished and tasteful to a fault.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
The script had an innate realism.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026
This, and jokes like it, transcend absurd exaggeration to achieve something much closer to magical realism.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026
The realism, and the rawness, of Burden of Justice, sets it apart from most Swedish TV fare, which can often be polished and tasteful to a fault.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realism
Noun
-
Spontaneity and naturalism characterize much of the album, even on songs by artists not necessarily known for those qualities.—
Hannah Jocelyn,
Pitchfork,
18 Mar. 2026
-
However, what keeps the film comically and dramatically grounded is its commitment to aesthetic naturalism despite the fantastical premise.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The power of the artwork is not just the verisimilitude of the final product.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
However, its writing process involved putting the script in front of actual child therapists to ensure its verisimilitude, so rare are the moments (if any) when Wang’s performance doesn’t feel rooted in the familiar.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realism. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
