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

Questions about whose interests Infantino is serving have developed beyond average cynics who tend to suspect this type of thing.

— Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Trump’s insistence on lower rates isn’t helping matters, and cynics argue that Warsh doesn’t want to make the president angry.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of realist

noun

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