real-life

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈlīf How to pronounce real-life (audio)
Synonyms of real-lifenext
: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations
real-life problems
real-life drama

Examples of real-life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Further investigative projects are being developed around exclusive access to compelling real-life stories. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 When daily life can feel quite bruising and fractious, documentaries skillfully encourage us to let our guard down and connect with real-life stories and people… sometimes challenging, often invigorating, and always meaningful. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026 From directors, co-writers and real-life married couple Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston Fischer, the feature has taken on a life of its own since social media and the meme-spawning corner of the internet happened upon this intimately made indie. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 Joan Crawford’s rags-to-riches real-life story is the stuff of Hollywood legend. — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for real-life

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of real-life was in 1838

Rhymes for real-life

See All Rhymes for real-life

Browse Nearby Words

realliance
real-life
real live
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/real-life. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

real-life

adjective
: happening in reality : being like real life

More from Merriam-Webster on real-life

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for real-life

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