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
That’s why there are also some magical realism elements in the film.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
Steve McQueen wore the distinctive square watch during the filming of Le Mans, the 1971 film beloved by old Hollywood fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike for its visceral, documentary-like realism.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
The new generation of leaders can learn much about how to sustain focus instead of constantly reinventing themselves or the business; about making decisions for the long-term, not just the next quarter; and how to balance optimism with realism.
—David Morel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Throughout his residency, Notham’s landscapes and figurative paintings will be on display, work that draws heavily from the traditions of American realism and Impressionism.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2026
Steve McQueen wore the distinctive square watch during the filming of Le Mans, the 1971 film beloved by old Hollywood fans and motorsport enthusiasts alike for its visceral, documentary-like realism.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 June 2026
The new generation of leaders can learn much about how to sustain focus instead of constantly reinventing themselves or the business; about making decisions for the long-term, not just the next quarter; and how to balance optimism with realism.
—David Morel, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Throughout his residency, Notham’s landscapes and figurative paintings will be on display, work that draws heavily from the traditions of American realism and Impressionism.
—Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for realism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for realism
Noun
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Nilsson’s depiction of bodies past their prime conjures not the pitiless naturalism of Joan Semmel or Alice Neel, but something friskier, more delighted.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
At its center is Johanna herself, crafting a version of her own life with loving naturalism.—
JD Linville,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The rubber missiles aren't just there for verisimilitude.—
David Szondy
May 24,
New Atlas,
24 May 2026
-
Featuring an impressive cast of unknowns and a fluid style that captures them with both lyricism and verisimilitude, this winner of the Cannes Critics’ Week Grand Prize announces the arrival of a formidable new talent.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realism. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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