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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.

"It's the least realistic part of simulator golf," accepts Asgard.

From BBC

I don't want to take those dreams away from young players but we have to be realistic with them about their chances.

From BBC

To do this, they built a life size model of an oviraptor and a realistic nest to test how heat moved through the eggs.

From Science Daily

"You need a long-term plan but also a realistic one. The EU has one, but new targets for 2030 and particularly 2040 are very ambitious."

From BBC

The bigger picture, however, is suddenly a little brighter for Spurs because, if this level of performance is maintained, those realistic fears of this great club dropping into the Championship could well be eased.

From BBC