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reality

noun
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re·​al·​i·​ty | \ rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio) \
plural realities

Definition of reality

1 : the quality or state of being real
2a(1) : a real event, entity, or state of affairs his dream became a reality
(2) : the totality of real things and events trying to escape from reality
b : something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily
3 : television programming that features videos of actual occurrences (such as a police chase, stunt, or natural disaster) —often used attributively reality TV
in reality
: in actual fact
Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing reality Learn More About reality

Synonyms & Antonyms for reality

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Examples of reality in a Sentence

the difference between fiction and reality The reality is that we can't afford to buy a house. He used television as an escape from reality. They made the plan a reality.
Recent Examples on the Web But critics of the ban point out that the book depicts the reality of an ugly time in history in a way that's understandable and relatable to children, and that students need to learn those realities in a supportive environment. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2022 But the reality of our social inequality and their singular, often misguided, priorities intrudes. — New York Times, 5 Apr. 2022 For starters, the reality of living with pain, swelling, and mobility issues can be detrimental to your mental health. — Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 4 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of reality

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Dictionary Entries Near reality

realistic

reality

reality check

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Statistics for reality

Last Updated

7 Apr 2022

Look-up Popularity

Top 1% of words

Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality. Accessed 11 Apr. 2022.

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More Definitions for reality

reality

noun
re·​al·​i·​ty | \ rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio) \
plural realities

Kids Definition of reality

1 : the way things actually are Our trip is over. Now it's back to reality.
2 : someone or something that is real or actually exists He made his dream a reality.

More from Merriam-Webster on reality

Nglish: Translation of reality for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of reality for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reality

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