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 Any realist would tell you Ukraine would fall. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The realist recognizes this series has had two games that were toss-ups and one where the Knicks were just better, longer. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 In San Jose, Cohen has developed a reputation as a principled realist who has pursued progress over purity. — Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for realist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for realist

Noun

Abiy rose from relative obscurity to power in 2018 as a reform-minded pragmatist.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
But every ounce of his reputation as a defensive pragmatist is being put to the test in these final days before games start.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of pragmatist

Noun

Williams led the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff victory last season, but some cynics think the Bears are due for a regression this season.

— Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place?

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of cynic

Noun

Life has beaten down Weisman’s Jake Levinson, once the radical front man of a bad Rage Against the Machine clone, into a dead-eyed nihilist.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
As criminal cases have increased against members of violent nihilist groups, related abuse reports have also risen.

— Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of nihilist

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“Realist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realist. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of realist

noun

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