real-life

adjective

Definition of real-lifenext
as in very
happening in the real world rather than in a story real-life problems a real-life drama

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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 Parton may have been talking to her on-screen goddaughter Miley Stewart, played by her real-life goddaughter Miley Cyrus, but her words resonated with the audience of young girls watching. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 Aug. 2026 But for a younger generation (Gen Z and some Millennials, that is), the sitcom was the first time they were greeted to the likes of the one and only Dolly Parton, Cyrus’ real-life godmother. — Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026 The real-life jazz quartet from Gelber’s play—headlined by the saxophonist Jackie McLean and the pianist Freddie Redd—performed at length on camera. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 With his raspy and raw vocals, the young talent sings about his real-life experiences in search of an organic connection with his community. — Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for real-life
Recent Examples of Synonyms for real-life
  1. very
  2. actual
  3. real-world
  4. real
  5. final
  6. authentic
  7. bona fide
Adjective
  • Located at the very front of Roman, this hat-like shade pops open once the observatory reaches orbit, blocking stray light from entering the telescope barrel and helping protect the telescope's sensitive optics throughout the mission.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Caylee believed in this project from the very beginning and has been instrumental in helping bring it to life as a powerhouse actor and producer.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of very
Adjective
  • Professional athletes have joked about it in the past, with even all-time NBA great LeBron James teasing at a potential college sports journey post-retirement—albeit as more of a joke than an actual plan.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a way to test real oil-and-gas-style well equipment using actual supercritical CO₂, rather than testing it with water or air and hoping the results translate.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • The company also focuses on tokenizing real-world assets like bonds and real estate for agent trading.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no reputable research showing that dry cornstarch reliably disrupts ant pheromone trails in real-world garden conditions.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of real-world
Adjective
  • Only 24 and with room to grow, but also real pedigree, Nico felt like the perfect, window-shaping addition.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The shower itself features a deep green wall digitally printed to appear like real tile.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • Analysts point out that this is very likely the final World Cup of Ronaldo's career.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • On her final day, a report said she was asked to join The View.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of final
Adjective
  • Sweet Humans is about believing in and elevating independent stories and voices, and building something together where everyone can be their authentic selves.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The author specifically praised Reficco over her thorough research on epilepsy in an effort to offer an authentic portrayal.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of authentic
Adjective
  • Dolly Parton the entertainer was also a bona fide mogul who transformed her corner of Appalachia.
    — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If the offense is even average, the Texans are bona fide Super Bowl contenders.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of bona fide

Browse Nearby Words

realizing
real-life
reallocate
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Cite this Entry

“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/real-life. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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