as in very
happening in the real world rather than in a story
real-life problems a real-life drama
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 real-life
Though the show may seem like a perfectly picturesque, saccharine snow globe at first glance, there's a bite woven in, at times acerbic, at times deeply dramatic in a real-life way.
—
Anika Reed, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
Jaafar Jackson, the pop star's real-life nephew, leads the cast as Michael.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Everglades The Everglades is a real-life attraction, and a must-do during staycations and dragging the relatives around town during their vacations.
—Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Black recently aligned with his real-life wife, Zelina, after turning heel.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for real-life
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real-life
Adjective
-
That makes the very idea of awards in literature filled with landmines.—
-
With nine-figure contracts, record absorption, and buyers choosing condos over even the most coveted co-ops and townhouses, 2025 may be remembered as the year Lower Manhattan fully claimed its place at the very top of New York’s luxury housing market.—
Adjective
-
Carote 16-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set The right nonstick cookware can be an actual kitchen game changer—and Carote’s 16-piece set delivers on that promise.—
-
Everything was really incorrect for the period—shiny, sparkly, overdone—but the actual shapes and silhouettes of his clothes are quite accurate.—
Adjective
-
Acting as a proactive digital assistant, the OLLOBOT also provides timely, real-world reminders.—
-
Automakers still have to turn those tools into systems that can safely operate on public roads—navigating regulatory scrutiny, real-world driving conditions, and public acceptance.—
Adjective
-
The defense bent a lot and didn’t break often but didn’t have any real signature plays.—
-
While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy.—
Adjective
-
With Packers first-year team president Ed Policy likely approaching a decision on LaFleur’s future this offseason before the final year of his contract, LaFleur did himself no favors ahead of those conversations.—
-
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP George Clooney and Don Cheadle, who came onstage to present the final award for the night, joked about the standing ovation, with Cheadle noting Clooney did not receive one.—
Adjective
-
From the upscale shopping paradise of Bal Harbor to the authentic cultures of Little Havana and Little Haiti, and the contemporary art scene of the Design District, the destination offers a variety of experiences.—
-
The video quickly went viral, reaching over 2 million views with many viewers assuming the image was authentic.—
Adjective
-
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Googoosh was one of Iran’s most famous women, a child star who grew up to become a bona fide pop culture phenomenon.—
-
From 2006 through 2011, Hannah Montana was a bona fide cultural phenomenon, generating huge ratings on TV and massive music sales, as well, and making little Miley a world-famous superstar.—
Cite this Entry
“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real-life. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share