fictionalize
verb
fic·tion·al·ize
ˈfik-shnə-ˌlīz 
-shə-nə-ˌlīz
fictionalized; fictionalizing
: to make into or treat in the manner of fiction
fictionalize a biography
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
Although both Martha and Darrien are heavily fictionalized, fans have been investigating online to try to uncover their real identities, going so far as to accuse figures in British comedy of being Darrien.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
Cook's counterpart in the Under the Bridge book and show is named Josephine Bell, a result of Godfrey fictionalizing the names of the eight teens involved in the assault with the exception of the two who were convicted of Reena's murder.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
The Harts’ murder-suicide is the most harrowing of the incidents that Banks fictionalizes, and the one readers are most likely to remember and be troubled by, even before encountering his haunting version.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2024
Many of them are easily verifiable but, as we’re told in the film’s opening credits, some of the real events presented have, of course, been fictionalized to a degree for dramatic purposes.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Who was Shirley Chisholm? Shirley, a new biographical drama written and directed by John Ridley (writer of the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave), fictionalizes Chisholm’s history-making political career.
—Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024
These candidates are fictionalized, this world is fictionalized.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024
Though heavily fictionalized, there is a historical kernel of truth in these fantastical depictions.
—Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024
In that book, Louis fictionalizes the story of his bruising childhood in Hallencourt, a working-class town in northern France.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
Cook's counterpart in the Under the Bridge book and show is named Josephine Bell, a result of Godfrey fictionalizing the names of the eight teens involved in the assault with the exception of the two who were convicted of Reena's murder.
—Megan McCluskey, TIME, 18 Apr. 2024
The Harts’ murder-suicide is the most harrowing of the incidents that Banks fictionalizes, and the one readers are most likely to remember and be troubled by, even before encountering his haunting version.
—Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2024
Many of them are easily verifiable but, as we’re told in the film’s opening credits, some of the real events presented have, of course, been fictionalized to a degree for dramatic purposes.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Who was Shirley Chisholm? Shirley, a new biographical drama written and directed by John Ridley (writer of the 2013 film 12 Years a Slave), fictionalizes Chisholm’s history-making political career.
—Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Mar. 2024
These candidates are fictionalized, this world is fictionalized.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024
Though heavily fictionalized, there is a historical kernel of truth in these fantastical depictions.
—Alessandro Poletto, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024
In that book, Louis fictionalizes the story of his bruising childhood in Hallencourt, a working-class town in northern France.
—Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fictionalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fictionalize
Cite this Entry
“Fictionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictionalize. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fictionalize
verb
fic·tion·al·ize
ˈfik-shnə-līz
-shən-ᵊl-īz
fictionalized; fictionalizing
: to make into fiction
fictionalize a biography
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