naturalism

noun

nat·​u·​ral·​ism ˈna-ch(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: action, inclination, or thought based only on natural desires and instincts

2

: a theory denying that an event or object has a supernatural significance

specifically : the doctrine that scientific laws are adequate to account for all phenomena

3

: realism in art or literature

specifically : a theory or practice in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealization and often including elements of determinism

Synonyms

• literalism
• realism
• representationalism
• verisimilitude
• verismo

Examples of naturalism in a Sentence

a major exponent of naturalism, Theodore Dreiser depicted life's harsh realities unflinchingly and without moral judgment

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Johnson’s specific naturalism also feels supercharged in this instance. —Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024

Automatically, the jostling kids (mostly non-professionals delivering effortless naturalism) arrange themselves in order of size at the stout table around which so much of this family’s life is centered. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 2 Sep. 2024

But even in more emotional moments, Kore-eda never sacrifices his dedication to naturalism. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024

Although the story is set in this social realist world, the film feels very different from that kind of naturalism. —John Bleasdale, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1