Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

realism

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of realism

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 of realism

literalism, naturalism, representationalism, verisimilitude, verismo
Words Related to realism

photo-realism

authenticity, grittiness

Learn More about realism

  1. See words that rhyme with realism Dictionary: Definition of realism Spanish Central: Translation of realism Nglish: Translation of realism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of realism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about realism

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up realism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games