realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: concern for fact or reality and rejection of the impractical and visionary
2
a
: a doctrine that universals exist outside the mind
specifically
: the conception that an abstract term names an independent and unitary reality
b
: a theory that objects of sense perception or cognition exist independently of the mind compare nominalism
3
: the theory or practice of fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life and to accurate representation without idealization
Synonyms
Examples of realism in a Sentence
He has a sense of realism about what can be done to improve the economy.
The realism of her dream was alarming.
the stark realism of the play
Recent Examples on the Web
The series aims to blend elaborate Kalaripayattu action sequences with magical realism elements drawn from Indian tradition.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
Her father, who is Puerto Rican, instilled in her a love of the Caribbean’s rich tradition of magical realism; her mother, who is African American, drew her toward various rituals shared among Black communities of the American South.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Adding to the documentary-style realism, the film weaves in actual footage from the ABC broadcast that day, to which Mason helped secure the rights shortly before filming began.
—Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Now, a reality that seemed forever on the verge of dissolving tips into something resembling magical realism.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for realism 
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2024
Her father, who is Puerto Rican, instilled in her a love of the Caribbean’s rich tradition of magical realism; her mother, who is African American, drew her toward various rituals shared among Black communities of the American South.
—Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Adding to the documentary-style realism, the film weaves in actual footage from the ABC broadcast that day, to which Mason helped secure the rights shortly before filming began.
—Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Now, a reality that seemed forever on the verge of dissolving tips into something resembling magical realism.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for realism
Dictionary Entries Near realism
Cite this Entry
“Realism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realism. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
realism
noun
re·al·ism
ˈrē-ə-ˌliz-əm
ˈri-ə-
1
: willingness to face facts and to give in to what is necessary
2
: the showing of things as they really are in art, literature, and theater
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