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
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Recent Examples of realism
Abraham’s debut, which features a standout performance by Fleabag’s Clifford, cleverly blends satirical humour with magical realism, exploring our deep need for human connection and to be seen.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
But Wednesday’s military parade, the largest ever held by China, also shows that whatever the emerging world order is, it is governed by harsh realism, self-interest, and opportunism.
—Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
In both cases, dispatchers heard what sounded like gunshots in the background of the calls — lending a disturbing realism.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
This, on the other hand, is a stranger and more difficult proposition, with its experiments in magical realism, unsettling dances, and centering of cultish women.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
But Wednesday’s military parade, the largest ever held by China, also shows that whatever the emerging world order is, it is governed by harsh realism, self-interest, and opportunism.
—Kerry Brown, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
In both cases, dispatchers heard what sounded like gunshots in the background of the calls — lending a disturbing realism.
—Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025
This, on the other hand, is a stranger and more difficult proposition, with its experiments in magical realism, unsettling dances, and centering of cultish women.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for realism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realism
Noun
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Needless to say, Zhao’s signature naturalism serves Agnes well.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
30 Aug. 2025
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Yen said she was struck by their similar artistic values through the years and by Diaz’s ability with surrealism and naturalism.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For Greengrass, this is a technique to generate even greater verisimilitude.—
Andy Hazel,
IndieWire,
8 Sep. 2025
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That should turn our attention to those strictures, rather than to questioning the verisimilitude of her melodramatic doom.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realism. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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