Definition of realitynext
1
2
3
as in fact
the quality of being actual the reality of the situation finally dawned on her and she sat down in stunned silence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in object
one that has a real and independent existence you'll need to cope with a whole new set of realities once you've become a parent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 reality Unfortunately, Cubs fans are waking up to the reality that watching those games for free, which generations of Americans did, has abruptly come to an end. Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026 In reality, excess mulch can cause roots to grow into the mulch layer. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026 Most people would also like to believe that the open pastures and contented animals in food marketing reflect some version of reality. Jesse Plunkett, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026 So, no, these playoffs should not cloud the Heat’s reality. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reality
Noun
  • Their immediate challenge is that the ruling came down well after filing deadlines for this year’s primary elections — and in some cases, after those primary elections have been held.
    Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Reached by email earlier this week, Jennifer Spradley, an attorney in the public defender’s office in Tampa, said the office wouldn’t comment on Abugharbieh’s case.
    Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fin-to-limb is less discussed, yet more central to our collective existence.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Steyer had planned to spend $100 million, and his wealth proved a liability in a race where rivals including Sanders decried the existence of billionaires.
    Sophie Austin, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The simple concept of three women sharing a unified bill on the road, in fact, was something they were deprived of for most of their careers within the indie-rock scene.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In fact, so many diners made that selection that the entire room carried the aroma of fish at one point.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Participants learned the locations of fifty objects; each was associated with a distinct noise.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • There could be as many as ~1017 icy, round objects in hydrostatic equilibrium in the Milky Way galaxy alone, most of which are likely not bound to a parent star at all.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Max is one of the great composers of our time, and his work has a depth and emotional truth that has the potential to break our hearts.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
  • But a closer inspection reveals a more unsettled, human process of establishing truth.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jordan’s presence and affiliation with a brand is more powerful than any other entity in sports, and near the top in all entertainment media.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 May 2026
  • Rather than functioning solely as cost centers, every government entity would be required to generate revenue, contributing positively to the state’s budget and fostering a culture of fiscal responsibility throughout the administration.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • The list of substances Peters and his cohort ingest, inject, and smear on themselves is long and evergrowing, despite the very real risks that come along with them.
    Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Jackson, the youngest son, was found in a bathroom where deputies allegedly saw a black substance in the toilet.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Game 5 showed two things at once.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Rubbing the compost against the screen with a gloved hand will help things along.
    Jessica Damiano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reality. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on reality

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster