REALIST Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

realist

noun

Definition of realist

as in pragmatist

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 realist Pressed by reporters as to whether Israel has determined there is anyone worth negotiating with in Iran, a senior Israeli official offered only one name — Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi — and characterized him as a realist, but not a moderate. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 30 July 2026 According to multiple officials, Rubio concluded that Rodríguez was a realist with a grip on the levers of government, and who would be willing to meet Washington’s demands. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026 Any realist would tell you Ukraine would fall. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 The realist recognizes this series has had two games that were toss-ups and one where the Knicks were just better, longer. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for realist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for realist

Noun

Russia’s pragmatist-in-chief has therefore settled on the Donbas as an attainable negotiating goal, while pressure grows on Kyiv to concede.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
While Skydance may have become the latest lightning rod in an increasingly polarised and under pressure Hollywood, Bird is a pragmatist.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of pragmatist

Noun

Williams led the Bears to an NFC North title and a playoff victory last season, but some cynics think the Bears are due for a regression this season.

— Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
That the earnestness the genre requires galls us cynics, who love to hide in our books, away from all those pesky bodies in the first place?

— Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of cynic

Noun

Life has beaten down Weisman’s Jake Levinson, once the radical front man of a bad Rage Against the Machine clone, into a dead-eyed nihilist.

— Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
As criminal cases have increased against members of violent nihilist groups, related abuse reports have also risen.

— Curt Devine, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of nihilist

Browse Nearby Words

realism

realist

realistic

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Realist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/realist. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of realist

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

grotesque

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes