real-life

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈlīf How to pronounce real-life (audio)
Synonyms of real-lifenext
: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations
real-life problems
real-life drama

Examples of real-life 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.
The spinoff stars real-life father-daughter duo Timothy and Vivian Olyphant. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Quality packing cubes hold up in real-life travel and offer simple compression features that make a world of difference. — Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026 That encounter eventually led to a virtual church service and a connection with a real-life campus ministry. — Fiona Murphy, NPR, 2 July 2026 Of course, Swift has never confirmed any fan theories—and has even expressed feeling a little weirded out when fans try to assign her songs to her real-life exes. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for real-life

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of real-life was in 1838

Rhymes for real-life

See All Rhymes for real-life

Browse Nearby Words

realliance
real-life
real live
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/real-life. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

real-life

adjective
: happening in reality : being like real life

More from Merriam-Webster on real-life

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for real-life

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