defies reality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defies reality" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that contradicts or goes against what is considered real or true. An example could be: "The plot of the movie defies reality, making it hard to believe." Alternative expressions include "challenges reality," "contradicts reality," and "bends reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Although his critics' "Joe Must Go" signs are tasteless, his supporters' rationale defies reality.

The New York Times - Sports

That it further deems such expression as "artistic" defies reality, as any observer of late-night cable television will confirm.

The New York Times

The spectacle of British parties drawing their red lines in such profusion defies reality in a slowly crumbling two-party tradition.

The Guardian

Arnold constructs the film as a series of scenes that fit together with a superficial psychological coherence that, despite the adherence to concrete physical facts, defies reality.

The New Yorker

"The federal government may be providing the funds, but it defies reality that in the New York rental market, someone could put down a security deposit, pay the first month's rent and be approved by the landlord in a 24- to 48-hour time frame," he said.

The New York Times

The process of making a photo that defies reality without CGI is complex yet rewarding.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

There must come a moment when it is no longer possible to defy reality.

Independent

"It's defying reality to say that I haven't talked about education".

The New York Times

These claims defy reality, Mr. Tsvangirai said Wednesday, in Johannesburg rather than Harare, where most news coverage remains banned.

The New York Times

Government officials offered an altogether different version of events, in reports from Damascus, the capital, that appeared more and more to defy reality.

The New York Times

And — here is where art sometimes supplants science — if that estimate seems to defy reality, Mr. Braconi will tweak it using other data, or his instincts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defies reality", ensure the subject is something that can logically be expected to align with reality. For instance, a statement, action, or situation can "defy reality", but an object typically would not.

Common error

Avoid using "defies reality" when the intent is to describe something surreal or fantastical. Instead, specify the element responsible for the departure from reality; use phrases like "characterized by fantasy elements" or "inspired by surrealism."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defies reality" functions as a verb phrase, where "defies" is the verb and "reality" is the object. It indicates a contradiction or direct opposition to what is considered factual or true, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defies reality" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a contradiction or opposition to what is considered real or true. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples from authoritative sources, primarily in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, understanding the nuance and proper context—as well as avoiding common errors—is essential for effective use. For those seeking alternative expressions, options such as "contradicts the truth" or "goes against the facts" can provide similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is detached from reality

Indicates a lack of connection to the actual state of things.

rejects the facts

Suggests a deliberate refusal to accept what is known to be true.

contradicts the truth

Replaces "reality" with "truth", emphasizing the conflict with factual accuracy.

diverges from the truth

Suggests a departure or deviation from what is accurate.

goes against the facts

Focuses on the opposition to verifiable information.

flies in the face of reason

Highlights the irrationality of the situation, suggesting it opposes logical thinking.

bends the truth

Suggests a manipulation or distortion of reality, rather than a direct contradiction.

abandons realism

Highlights a move away from representing things as they truly are.

challenges conventional wisdom

Implies a questioning of widely accepted beliefs, not necessarily a direct contradiction of reality.

stretches the imagination

Emphasizes the implausibility of something, requiring a significant leap of belief.

FAQs

How can I use "defies reality" in a sentence?

You can use "defies reality" to describe something that contradicts or goes against what is considered real or true. For example, "The plot of the movie "defies reality", making it hard to believe."

What are some alternatives to "defies reality"?

Alternatives include "contradicts the truth", "goes against the facts", or "is detached from reality depending on the context".

Is it better to say "defies reality" or "challenges reality"?

"Defies reality" implies a direct contradiction, while "challenges reality" suggests questioning or testing the boundaries of what's considered real. The better choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "defies reality" and "ignores reality"?

"Defies reality" means something actively contradicts or goes against what is real, whereas "ignores reality" means something fails to take reality into account. If you want to say that some one refuses to acknowledge the facts use "rejects the facts".