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.

Eastwood plays the spoon-wielding lead in this thrilling jailbreak saga based on the infamous real-life escape from the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1962.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Artificial intelligence chatbots and image generators crunch reams of digital data, but building systems to navigate real-life environments is more challenging.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Do you think real-life tradwives are performers or true believers?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

You'd be forgiven for thinking they're actually related - they look very similar and, just like real-life brothers, they're making fun of each other and finishing each others' sentences.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

People were climbing Cerro Baul, building their maquettes, and praying that the heavens would give them the real-life equivalents.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann