realistic
adjective
re·al·is·tic
ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik 
1
: of, relating to, or marked by literary or artistic realism : accurately representing what is natural or real
a realistic novel
realistic portraiture
realistic sound effects
Such films tend to be more expressionistic than realistic.—
Ira Konigsberg
: convincingly rendered to appear natural
Ira KonigsbergRealistic, sensitive artificial skin would be an important step towards making the prosthetic feel like an extension of the body.—Julian Smith
Julian Smith2
: able to see things as they really are and to deal with them in a practical way
a sensible, realistic person/attitude
trying to be realistic about their chances for success
3
: based on what is real rather than on what is wanted or hoped for : not impractical or visionary
a realistic plan
realistic expectations
setting realistic goals
It's not realistic to expect people to spend that much money on wedding gifts.
For the first time, people with cancers that have long outwitted science have a realistic chance of getting a miracle, too.—Sharon Begley
Sharon Begley
realistically
adverb
depicting a scene realistically
approaching a problem realistically
Synonyms
Examples of realistic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The way their lives play out together seems perfectly realistic, given the circumstances.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
The pressure put on us to bounce back when everything is new and different isn't realistic.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Thrall also said that most attempts to find alternative plans are not realistic because of Israel’s position.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
In other seasons, or an alternate universe where the ‘N’ in NHL stands for New York, Artemi Panarin would have a realistic chance of winning as well.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2024
Depictions of eclipses became more and more realistic during the Renaissance, a period known for its convergence of art and science.
—Elissaveta M. Brandon, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
But the judge said that did not provide a realistic reason for his recusal.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
Spatial Personas are just realistic enough to haunt your dreams.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024
So a more realistic 3x final multiplier would mean a $525 million finish.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Apr. 2024
The pressure put on us to bounce back when everything is new and different isn't realistic.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024
Thrall also said that most attempts to find alternative plans are not realistic because of Israel’s position.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
In other seasons, or an alternate universe where the ‘N’ in NHL stands for New York, Artemi Panarin would have a realistic chance of winning as well.
—Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2024
Depictions of eclipses became more and more realistic during the Renaissance, a period known for its convergence of art and science.
—Elissaveta M. Brandon, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2024
But the judge said that did not provide a realistic reason for his recusal.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024
Spatial Personas are just realistic enough to haunt your dreams.
—Maxwell Zeff / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024
So a more realistic 3x final multiplier would mean a $525 million finish.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'realistic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near realistic
Cite this Entry
“Realistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realistic. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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