REALIST Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

realist

noun

Definition of realist

as in pragmatist

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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 realist For the realists in the rooms—perhaps joined by economists and accountants—2025’s wildfire season was anything but good news. — Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 June 2026 The signature in the upper left-hand corner confirmed the artist was the American realist Ernest Wells. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 May 2026 While much of the movie rides on these young actors’ extraordinary abilities to carry both dialogue-heavy scenes as well as contemplating moments of silence, of reflection and observation, Atlan has not crafted a social realist picture. — Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 21 May 2026 At her core, Hepburn was a child of war who identified with Anne Frank—a realist who faced the problems of the world head-on as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for realist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for realist

Noun

Luckily for Rhaena, Lady Jeyne is a pragmatist — and one who feels slighted by Rhaenyra.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026
In embracing a rapprochement with the United States under President Obama, Raúl Castro, long seen as an ideologue by Cubanologists, played the hand of a pragmatist.

— Chris Kenning, USA Today, 21 May 2026

Definition of pragmatist

Noun

But should cynics in the industry be tapping the brakes a little, to make sure everybody believes Dean is all that, before giving her an official coronation?

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026
But weddings also bring out the cynics, and there are a lot of people who cannot be swayed by a wedding.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026

Definition of cynic

Noun

As criminal cases have increased against members of violent nihilist groups, related abuse reports have also risen.

— Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Sirāt was the only Neon contender to miss out on a Best Picture spot at the Globes (its noms came in Non-English Language and Score), adding to the feeling that this nihilist epic is the title most at risk of missing with Oscar.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025

Definition of nihilist

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“Realist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realist. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of realist

noun

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