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.

Lee, 55, said unmanaged cholesterol levels and high blood pressure were likely contributors to the stroke, plus the stress of balancing her real-life practice with the demands of “Dr. Pimple Popper.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

These real-life tradwives described hellish experiences, both for themselves and their children.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

These conversations felt like some odd real-life version of the Bechdel Test.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Instead, the Harvard Business School alum talks like a real-life LinkedIn post and obsesses over how many seconds it takes to serve customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

A real-life skunk expert had written to him.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold