reality check

noun

: something that clarifies or serves as a reminder of reality often by correcting a misconception

Examples of reality check 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.
Related article Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ vision needed an Arab reality check. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025 Getting cut from soccer, though, was his early reality check in high school life. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025 The Knicks got another reality check in their second loss to Boston this season — a reminder of just how high the bar is for a team with championship aspirations. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 Most Popular Rocky Top reality check: UConn women’s loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies’ game Rocky Top reality check: UConn women's loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies' game A national brand is opening its first shop in CT. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reality check 

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reality check was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near reality check

Cite this Entry

“Reality check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reality%20check. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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