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

"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

And, crucially, for a stretch, “Euphoria” made HBO feel like a destination again, with episodes that demanded to be seen in real time and dissected instantly before the night was over.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Communities dedicated to open-source intelligence piece together fragments of information in real time.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell