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
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
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
Good One, a debut feature written and directed by India Donaldson, recalls the filmmaking of Kelly Reichardt in its near-plotless naturalism—until the whole thing turns on an act of bad judgment by one of the men that has heartbreaking power.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024
But the emphasis on naturalism taught them only that drama school wouldn’t be worth the loans.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2024
The same teacher said the story suffered from abject naturalism.
—Sarah Braunstein, The New Yorker, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalism 
John Bleasdale, Variety, 9 Aug. 2024
Good One, a debut feature written and directed by India Donaldson, recalls the filmmaking of Kelly Reichardt in its near-plotless naturalism—until the whole thing turns on an act of bad judgment by one of the men that has heartbreaking power.
—Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2024
But the emphasis on naturalism taught them only that drama school wouldn’t be worth the loans.
—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2024
The same teacher said the story suffered from abject naturalism.
—Sarah Braunstein, The New Yorker, 21 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for naturalism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'naturalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near naturalism
Cite this Entry
“Naturalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturalism. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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