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 overall tone of the performances and production value in some of the celebration sequences (at a bar or a drag performance) aligns closer to what one expects from studio projects as opposed to the strict naturalism of Ahn’s smaller features.
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Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Oscar nominee brought disarming wit and naturalism to the resilient character, who grasps for optimism in the most hopeless of circumstances.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
To sustain that illusion, Corbet also sticks with a conventional, unquestioned naturalism, a straightforward narrative continuity that proceeds as if on tracks and allows for none of the seeming digressions and spontaneity that would make its characters feel real.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Synergy became key to the naturalism that makes the domestic drama so wrenching.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalism 
Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 28 Jan. 2025
The Oscar nominee brought disarming wit and naturalism to the resilient character, who grasps for optimism in the most hopeless of circumstances.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
To sustain that illusion, Corbet also sticks with a conventional, unquestioned naturalism, a straightforward narrative continuity that proceeds as if on tracks and allows for none of the seeming digressions and spontaneity that would make its characters feel real.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025
Synergy became key to the naturalism that makes the domestic drama so wrenching.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalism
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Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naturalism. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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