Definition of naturalismnext
as in realism
realistic depiction in art and literature a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of naturalism Tarr mixes professional and amateur performers, yet demands the same unrehearsed naturalism from each. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2026 Da Costa realizes that journey with unforced naturalism, as if the camera just happened to be there to capture it. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Their outsize presence in mythological paintings is of course not a question of reality—of naturalism—at all. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures. — The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
  • Throughout, the movie’s deeply affecting realism feels also like symbolism—an existential crisis without any of its arch markers, a world of metaphors without referents, both universal and blank.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This curiosity for the many shapes of grief is translated in the film through magical realism.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

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“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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