In literature and theatre, the term denotes the extent to which a work of fiction exhibits realism or authenticity, or otherwise conforms to our sense of reality. A work with a high degree of verisimilitude means that the work is very realistic and believable; works of this nature are often said to be "true to life".

In theatre, verisimilitude refers to a neoclassic idea of reality (realism), morality, and universality. Universality means that certain truths are common to all people. Something that is true of one person is true of all.