as in realism
realistic depiction in art and literature
a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment
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Recent Examples of naturalism
But the film’s empathy is matter of fact, achieved in part through an almost documentarian naturalism.
—
Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
The Met show opens in the eighteen-eighties, when naturalism flowered in Parisian art schools.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
As for glam, Seyfried’s hair evoked a wild naturalism, with a bevy of flowing curls and plenty of volume.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
The vivid naturalism achieved in these works was not seen for another millennium, and is often more credited to artists living during the late Middle Ages, including Cimabue and Giotto, who laid the groundwork for the Renaissance.
—Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
The Met show opens in the eighteen-eighties, when naturalism flowered in Parisian art schools.
—Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
-
Lots of people don’t realize how much stylistic variety Wilson baked into his ten major plays, some of which are written in the mode of realism, others more akin to Greek tragedy.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Lots of people don’t realize how much stylistic variety Wilson baked into his 10 major plays, some of which are written in the mode of realism, others more akin to Greek tragedy.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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