Definitions

real-life

[ree-uhl-lahyf, reel-] / ˈri əlˌlaɪf, ˈril- /

ADJECTIVE

existing in reality

Synonyms

STRONGEST

actual authentic concrete corporal corporeal honest legitimate physical tangible

STRONG

empirical factual practical realistic

WEAK

non-fictional

Antonyms

STRONGEST

fake fictional

STRONG

delusional ethereal unrealistic

WEAK

untrue

NOUN

life as lived in the real world

Synonyms

STRONGEST

actuality natural world physical world real world

STRONG

reality realness

WEAK

being existence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Real-life Roma singer Bianca Mihai, a contestant on the Romanian version of reality TV show "The Voice" last year, called Lolita's overnight success "unfair".

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Real-life market competition does so in part because it is global—it is possible to become the richest person in the world, and everybody will know who you are—and in part because history is irrelevant.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Real-life costs could be even higher, however, as healthcare expenses were not factored into the analysis, according to Patel.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 23, 2025

Real-life sportswriters, who many no longer read, expounding real-life opinions became a novelty.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2025

Real-life stories about women doing other things or "being baddies sometimes" would be great, she said.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2023