Definition of naturalismnext
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 The style of it was realism, deeply grounded in naturalism, a lot more restraint. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 Da Costa realizes that journey with unforced naturalism, as if the camera just happened to be there to capture it. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Their outsize presence in mythological paintings is of course not a question of reality—of naturalism—at all. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures. — The Know, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for naturalism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naturalism
realism
Noun
  • Harris also helped shape the movie’s imagination sequences, pushing Pixar’s artists toward more spontaneous, painterly images rather than the studio’s usual meticulous realism.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Mackenzie’s a somewhat underrated figure, a Scottish filmmaker who worked with Ken Loach as an assistant director before embarking on his own career making similar works of social realism for British film and television.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

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“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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