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.

Eastwood plays the spoon-wielding lead in this thrilling jailbreak saga based on the infamous real-life escape from the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1962.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

The film, whose title means "I will return", tells the story of a romance that survives nearly eight decades, inspired by real-life accounts from families affected by the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Zendaya, Holland’s real-life romantic partner, also reprises her role as MJ, Spider-Man’s love interest.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall, the night promises plenty of onstage drama and hopefully some real-life intrigue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

What are the chances a real-life Dorothy Dingle went to jail the same day my mom disappeared?

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko