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Synonyms

realistic

American  
[ree-uh-lis-tik] / ˌri əˈlɪs tɪk /

adjective

  1. interested in, concerned with, or based on what is real or practical.

    a realistic estimate of costs; a realistic planner.

    Synonyms:
    sensible, hardheaded, common-sense, pragmatic
  2. pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are.

    a realistic novel.

  3. resembling or simulating real life.

    a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.

  4. Philosophy. of or relating to realists or realism.


realistic British  
/ ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk /

adjective

  1. showing awareness and acceptance of reality

  2. practical or pragmatic rather than ideal or moral

  3. (of a book, film, etc) depicting or emphasizing what is real and actual rather than abstract or ideal

  4. of or relating to philosophical realism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • antirealistic adjective
  • antirealistically adverb
  • hyperrealistic adjective
  • nonrealistic adjective
  • nonrealistically adverb
  • overrealistic adjective
  • overrealistically adverb
  • prorealistic adjective
  • pseudorealistic adjective
  • quasi-realistic adjective
  • quasi-realistically adverb
  • realistically adverb
  • semirealistic adjective
  • semirealistically adverb
  • ultrarealistic adjective
  • unrealistic adjective
  • unrealistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of realistic

First recorded in 1855–60; realist + -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite the fear in the community, Urbach said the thought of private equity or corporations swooping in is not realistic.

From Los Angeles Times

On the podcast, Favre sounds like he’s trying to be realistic about his condition while also remaining hopeful.

From Los Angeles Times

"But our work can help generate a realistic view of the subsurface with less computational power, which would make our models more practical and help us be more earthquake resilient."

From Science Daily

In a game that the Bruins needed to win to get their season back on track and have any realistic chance at an elite finish in the Big Ten, they fell flat once more.

From Los Angeles Times

The study highlights a realistic treatment strategy based on drug repurposing and carefully designed combination therapy.

From Science Daily