1
as in ridiculous
not likely to occur in the real world
The movie's unrealistic dialogue kept distracting me from the story.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unreasonable
based on what is wanted or hoped for rather than on what is possible or likely
He had unrealistic expectations about the type of apartment he could afford on his meager salary. The valuation placed on this company is completely unrealistic.
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unrealistic
Though some might balk at the number, the married couple proved their endeavor wasn't unrealistic at all.
—
Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 20 June 2025
However, experts have cautioned that bringing smartphone manufacturing back to the U.S. is largely unrealistic, requiring billions of dollars of investment over decades.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 18 June 2025
If the war in Ukraine is going to end through negotiations, therefore, Putin will need to be convinced not only that his political objectives are unrealistic but also that a failure to reach a deal will result in Russia’s position worsening over time.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
This is a much better scenario versus the appearance of being beholden to someone or a handful of super rich folks who may hold unrealistic expectations in exchange for their support.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 20 June 2025
However, experts have cautioned that bringing smartphone manufacturing back to the U.S. is largely unrealistic, requiring billions of dollars of investment over decades.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 18 June 2025
If the war in Ukraine is going to end through negotiations, therefore, Putin will need to be convinced not only that his political objectives are unrealistic but also that a failure to reach a deal will result in Russia’s position worsening over time.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2025
This is a much better scenario versus the appearance of being beholden to someone or a handful of super rich folks who may hold unrealistic expectations in exchange for their support.
—Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unrealistic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unrealistic
Adjective
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And finally… As bad as some teams are, the rule that every club must be represented at the All-Star Game borders on ridiculous.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Even for a show that’s famous for its silliness, this is a ridiculous storyline.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Solomon, 47, of Fairburn, was arraigned in federal court on June 17 on charges of using unreasonable force and obstructing justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia said in a news release.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
18 June 2025
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California Department of Education officials in 2018 found that school staff used unreasonable and unnecessary force in restraining Max.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Head down Highway 1 from San Francisco to one of the most incredible natural backdrops on the West Coast.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
24 June 2025
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But whoever picks him is going to get an incredible value.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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It’s been reopened in chunks, thanks to the unrelenting optimism and irrational persistence of a corps of downtown residents led by Rodriguez and Rosa Chang.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
16 June 2025
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On the other hand, especially given that the vote was still restricted to only a small minority of propertied men, the rise of party politics itself sharpened the age-old mistrust of popular judgment as irrational and easily swayed—especially by lies.—
Fara Dabhoiwala,
Harpers Magazine,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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The nutrient can indeed help with all of those, but sometimes, the claims turn absurd.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
20 June 2025
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The College World Series semifinals concluded Wednesday, allowing Houston Astros manager Joe Espada another chance to marvel at an absurd ascension.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Adding more throughput is unwieldy and impractical.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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Maison Irem Pearl Bow Shoe Charms While swapping standard nylon laces for pearl strands might be an impractical venture, clipping on two little pearl bows at your sneakers’ centers is an effortless maneuver that will pay dividends in sheer beauty.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Even as the key date approaches, a close reading of the Kansas law makes clear that the deadline is largely artificial.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
26 June 2025
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Both California and West Virginia have recently banned artificial dyes in foods served in schools.—
Dee-Ann Durbin,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Jeff: This has been such a silly way to seed the in-season tournament.—
Jeff Gluck,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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Wishing you a weekend of in-season snacks, silly time with old friends, and political victories of any size.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unrealistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unrealistic. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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