real time

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

NOUN

actual time for action or event

Synonyms

WEAK

actual time problem-solving time

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.

We just don’t have the tools to address this in real time, the way we all experience the crisis.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Identification sits on top of detection: AI classification systems that distinguish a commercial delivery drone from a weaponized one in real time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

"These results are an important piece of the larger puzzle of what is going on in the overall population as they attempt to adapt to climate change in real time."

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Podcasters are less constrained by party discipline, less dependent on access and more responsive to audience sentiment in real time.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

In front of them was the CROP—a huge screen showing the field of combat in real time.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell