fictionalize

verb

fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 

fictionalized; fictionalizing

transitive verb

: to make into or treat in the manner of fiction

fictionalize a biography

fictionalization

ˌfik-sh(ə-)nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of fictionalize in a Sentence

The book is a fictionalized account of their travels.

Her books are based in fact, but she fictionalizes many of the events.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the series is inspired by real negotiations, the personal lives and internal conflicts of the main characters were fictionalized, and as such, names were changed, Bron says. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025

Just as often as not, what results from this impulse to lightly fictionalize a recent news story is an overly straightforward telling of the same facts we’ve been barraged with already. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025

The original film isn't the only time her story has been fictionalized, either. —Jessica Sager, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025

The script is fictionalized in a way; the Tomo Buzov character is real, but the other characters are not real but are inspired by real experiences of the people from the train. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fictional + -ize

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fictionalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

fictionalize

verb

fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-shnə-līz 

-shən-ᵊl-īz

fictionalized; fictionalizing

: to make into fiction

fictionalize a biography

fictionalization

ˌfik-shnə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-shən-ᵊl-ə-

noun