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.

So where are the real-life versions of Star Wars' Tatooine?

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

It started with creating a show where comics could tell completely uncensored, unhinged real-life stories.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

The setup mirrored real-life decisions, but stripped away the usual complications.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

After playing real-life Tetris for a while I found a way to get the first battery out of the way enough to let the second battery in.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir