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.

Back in 2005, when Roberts rhapsodized about Indiana farmland and an endless horizon punctuated only by silos and barns, he was substituting a humble, real-life Midwest upbringing for his own.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

“You won’t be in the shadows forever,” Blake tells his intrepid team members—who, like the real-life Mr. Stanton, still maintain the cloak, if not the dagger.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Indeed, the film mirrors real-life developments in the world of journalism - staffing cuts, dwindling print numbers and digital domination.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

The brothers in podcasting, partners in Por Osos Vodka and real-life besties are back to burn calories the old-fashioned way.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

They wanted their students to hear our real-life success story.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers