realistic
Americanadjective
-
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
-
pertaining to, characterized by, or given to the representation in literature or art of things as they really are.
a realistic novel.
-
resembling or simulating real life.
a duck hunter skilled at making realistic decoys.
-
Philosophy. of or relating to realists or realism.
adjective
-
showing awareness and acceptance of reality
-
practical or pragmatic rather than ideal or moral
-
(of a book, film, etc) depicting or emphasizing what is real and actual rather than abstract or ideal
-
of or relating to philosophical realism
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
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.
Many hoped the conflict would lead to rapid regime collapse, but the regime’s dogged efforts to stay in power prove that was never realistic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
“Market rent in the Los Angeles area wasn’t realistic, even with a job offer lined up. So, the studio became her first home. It gave her stability and independence during a major transition.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026
Health Secretary Wes Streeting previously said the BMA's expectations were "beyond reasonable and realistic".
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
“The more realistic outcome is that alternatives become a modest ‘sleeve’ inside professionally managed options—target-date funds, multi-asset portfolios, or white-label funds in large plans.”
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
I cover most of it, but leave some strands of her dark hair out to make it look more realistic.
From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
