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
Realistic, sensitive artificial skin would be an important step towards making the prosthetic feel like an extension of the body.—Julian Smith
2
: 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
realistically
adverb
depicting a scene realistically
approaching a problem realistically
Synonyms
Examples of realistic in a Sentence
high schoolers who need to be more realistic in their career choices, as so few people end up as rock stars
those special effects look really realistic—I'd never guess they were all computer-generated
Recent Examples on the Web
Following the previous tip, start the meeting by reminding everyone about the agenda and expectations—with the latter establishing the realistic aim of achieving a specific outcome.
—Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
To have reactions be realistic when a gun's going off right here [hand motions by his head].
—Stacy Lambe, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Beal would also have to waive his no-trade clause; presumably the teams involved would ascertain whether this was a realistic possibility before marching headlong into a deal.
—John Hollinger, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
This new clarity could help produce settlements of both wars in the coming year, based on realistic assessments of which objectives each side cares most about and can afford.
—Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 21 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Realistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/realistic. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
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