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 of realism

• naturalism
• verisimilitude

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

What unfolds is a tragicomic story of reconciliation, infused with magical realism and set against the backdrop of the Sudanese revolution. — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

At Schiaparelli, a house rooted in sculptural and avant-garde design, there was a sense of realism, too. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026

The intergenerational novel blends magical realism with love, family conflict and political upheaval to create a vivid portrait of Colombian life and history. — Alexandra Tirado Oropeza, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Padilla, 33, made her debut during SNL’s 50th season, and quickly distinguished herself by bringing a sense of realism to even her most absurd performances. — Lucy Feldman, Time, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing realism

• anti-realism
• magical realism
• magic realism
• photo-realism
• socialist realism

Kids 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

realist

-ləst 

adjective or noun