as in very
happening in the real world rather than in a story
real-life problems a real-life drama
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of real-life
To identify the hydrogenobody—and confirm its role in methane production—the new study’s authors combined genetic analyses of hundreds of rumen ciliate genomes with detailed imaging of the microbes, as well as real-life methane measurements from dairy cows.
—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
Joined by her friends, Livia vows to forgo real-life romance for the summer.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
So says Leslie Fremar, outing herself as the real-life inspiration for Emily, the uptight first assistant to fictional magazine editor Miranda Priestly.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Rácz has been interpreted as a foil to Vladimír Mečiar, a real-life politician who served as Slovakia’s prime minister between 1990 and 1998 and was heavily criticized for his autocratic tendencies, strongman persona, and ties to organized crime.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 Apr. 2026
Joined by her friends, Livia vows to forgo real-life romance for the summer.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
So says Leslie Fremar, outing herself as the real-life inspiration for Emily, the uptight first assistant to fictional magazine editor Miranda Priestly.
—Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Rácz has been interpreted as a foil to Vladimír Mečiar, a real-life politician who served as Slovakia’s prime minister between 1990 and 1998 and was heavily criticized for his autocratic tendencies, strongman persona, and ties to organized crime.
—Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real-life
Adjective
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Also, licensing hurdles in many states ban people with records from even becoming barbers or mechanics, the very trades that offer the best path to independence.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
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Instead, technology can be used to uphold the very values of humility and responsibility that the tradition was built.—
FMG Studios,
Footwear News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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The system establishes operational standards through its three main functions that develop incentives while tracking performance and ensuring projects meet actual environmental requirements.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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In my world, the dirty plates should be cleared, but the actual washing of the dishes waits until everyone is finished.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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That said, series creators Ronald D Moore, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert have said the real-world death of Sergei Korolev in 1966 is their actual sliding doors moment.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
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In the factory, the machines are collecting real-world data to learn practical tasks, including stocking parts for assembly technicians, performing basic warehousing and logistics operations.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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And scratched nonstick pans are a real concern for most home cooks.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
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The milquetoast nature of the statement — with its measured language and nonexistent call to action — and the broader absence of real accountability have nagged at me for weeks.—
Uzma Rentia,
STAT,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Cleveland had the lead and the ball in the final 20 seconds of overtime and still managed to lose 112-110.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
2 May 2026
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Ridden by Jose Ortiz, Always a Runner made a move around the final turn and needed every bit of the stretch to pass Bob Baffert’s Explora and and Michael McCarthy’s Meaning before the finish line of the 1 1/8-mile race.—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Pratt's supporters believe his approach will translate to votes because the message is authentic.—
Tom Wait,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
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In fact, Americans of all backgrounds are seeking out new global flavors and authentic experiences, according to market research company Datassential.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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The turnaround has been remarkable, and mostly due to the fact that Cade Cunningham has become a bona fide superstar.—
David Troy OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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Why book For that golden intersection of gripping design and home-grown, regenerative ideology, Fowlescombe Farm is remarkably quick to reach by train, despite its bona fide rural location on the fringes of Dartmoor.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real-life. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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