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Verisimilitude

n. thoughtful, capable literary

What it means

The convincing appearance of being true or real.

Reach for it when praising fiction or representation for a convincing appearance of reality

Carefully chosen domestic details gave the historical drama convincing verisimilitude.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal
literary
  • Verisimilitude (this word)

  • everyday

    lifelikeness

    Fits when visual resemblance to living form matters

    Careful Lifelikeness is awkward for dialogue or social behavior.

  • warm

    authenticity

    Fits when the work feels true to an experience or tradition

    Careful Authenticity can imply rightful origin, not mere appearance.

  • professional

    credibility

    Fits when the audience can believe the account

    Careful Credibility applies to sources as well as representation.

  • professional

    plausibility

    Fits when events seem reasonably possible

    Careful Plausibility requires coherence, not rich realistic detail.

  • professional

    realism

    Fits when faithful depiction of ordinary life or conditions is central

    Careful Realism can name an artistic movement or philosophy.

  • formal

    naturalism

    Fits when detailed art avoids idealization

    Careful Naturalism has specific artistic and philosophical meanings.

Opposites 3

  • artificiality
  • implausibility
  • falseness

Common phrases 3

  • sense of verisimilitude

    Scuffed tools gave the workshop scene a sense of verisimilitude.

  • historical verisimilitude

    Period recipes strengthened the drama's historical verisimilitude.

  • create verisimilitude

    Regional speech patterns create verisimilitude when used with restraint.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated