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.
Playing a dark character was hardly a new shtick for Woods, who landed his breakout role as real-life murderer Gregory Powell in The Onion Field (1979). — Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2026 Flanking the still images, filmic shorts amplify the whimsical spirit of the campaign, blending real-life action with illustrated animation in spotlighting the brand’s accessories offering for the season. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 Exotic was shot during a recent real-life edition of a pole-dancing Exo Stars Camp featuring real participants and instructors, maintaining the authenticity of this vivid bubble. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 As for the amenities in the real-life home, the property boasts three bedrooms and two full bathrooms spread out across 2,752 square feet. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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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