reality

noun

rē-ˈa-lə-tē How to pronounce reality (audio)
Definition of realitynext
1
as in case
something that actually exists the ambition to make his dreams a reality

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in existence
the fact of being or of being real no one denies the reality of electricity, though few people understand it fully

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fact
the quality of being actual the reality of the situation finally dawned on her and she sat down in stunned silence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in object
one that has a real and independent existence you'll need to cope with a whole new set of realities once you've become a parent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reality The Port of Long Beach is now working with local startup Bluecore Energy to build SMRs on floating barges—though the project remains at least a few years from reality. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 After the first season’s multiverse chaos, the Dessens attempt to settle in a seemingly safe reality while Jason’s obsession with the Box threatens to drag the family straight back into trouble. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Her Photography explores how Big city shapes the emotional reality of her generation. — Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 The reality of moving furniture in and out or listing the items cramping your space for resale can quickly take the fun out. — The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reality
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reality
  1. case
  2. existence
  3. fact
  4. object
  5. truth
  6. entity
  7. substance
  8. thing
Noun
  • Thirteen days before Morissette’s lawsuit, Urinov filed her own claim against the singer in London’s King Bench Division, which handles cases of defamation, misuse of private information, data protection, and harassment by publication.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Court records show that Tiger Woods plans to change his not guilty plea in his DUI case in Florida.
    — Bob Harkins, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • As Worth Ranch prepares to celebrate 100 years of existence at the end of the decade, Hunter remains confident that new buildings can be constructed and the land restored.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Dark matter, meanwhile, is thought to be the glue that holds galaxies and other massive structures in the universe together, but again, its nature is an enigma and its existence remains unproven.
    — Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of existence
Noun
  • Verify the numbers, name the next step, and let clear facts make the agreement feel safer for everyone involved.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
  • If the aim, as stated, is to deal an economic blow to Iran, the fact is that the country is already under severe strain.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of fact
Noun
  • Sight lines then become site lines, as many art objects, like the Bateman Mercury, gaze beyond the museum toward Los Angeles, at nearby buildings or the distant surrounding hills.
    — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The pulls of our star and planet equal the centripetal force needed for a smaller object to stay in place.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of object
Noun
  • Where there might be a nugget of truth (water-holding, adhesion, seed spacing), there are simpler, proven, and less messy alternatives.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Thus, there could be truth to all three claims for the measles deaths.
    — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of truth
Noun
  • Since September 2025, 18 law enforcement entities, including county sheriffs offices and city police agencies, have requested money for about 440 license plate readers through the State Board of Immigration Enforcement’s grant program.
    — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Years spent reviewing the financial controls of government entities as an external auditor, followed by service on boards and audit committees across several industries, taught a lesson that has outlasted every subsequent role.
    — Amer Al Ahbabi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of entity
Noun
  • This risk is increased markedly when buprenorphine is combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system, particularly alcohol, benzodiazepines, and certain sedating medications.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Some undergo cosmetic procedures and reportedly inject their bodies with peptides, testosterone, and other substances that enhance their physiques.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of substance
Noun
  • University of St Andrews primatologist Catherine Hobaiter and Dartmouth College anthropologist Nathaniel Jay Dominy think these two things – fire and human speech – may be fundamentally linked.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Despite the slower pace of things pre-internet, all 250,000 tickets had gone within nine hours.
    — Devinder Bains, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of thing

Phrases Containing reality

Browse Nearby Words

realities
reality
realizable
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Cite this Entry

“Reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reality. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reality

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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