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.

I marveled at how much courage it must take to turn your real life into art, just for the chance that one person might see it and be impacted by it.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

With Rip The Script, we've built something broader: a football universe that lives both digitally and in real life.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

“Can a sci-fi movie play a real life role in accomplishing the premise that it explores? We are about to find out,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

Thousands of comments laid out for Jeff Guenther, as he’s known in real life, his perceived error.

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2026

“But as far as why we don’t communicate in real life, I’m not really sure.”

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone