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.

There is evidence that people are using AI to free up time, not just for screen fun, but real-life activities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Similar to a real-life version of The Truman Show, the setup recorded every moment of each animal's life.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

The show also starred Billy Ray Cyrus, a country music star and Miley's real-life dad, as her father and manager Robbie Ray.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

China's tech titans, including Alibaba, are racing to develop AI agents -- tools that execute real-life tasks such as sending emails or booking flights, touted as the technology's next frontier after text and image generators.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

“History or real-life adventure books, mostly,” I replied.

From "Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos