fictionalize

verb

fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-shnə-ˌlīz How to pronounce fictionalize (audio)
-shə-nə-ˌlīz
fictionalized; fictionalizing

transitive verb

: to make into or treat in the manner of fiction
fictionalize a biography
fictionalization 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 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 Surrounded by a slew of other stories from University Prep's Mark Murray about family traditions, some fictionalized and some pure nonfiction, Eleazar tells the story of an ordinary game of hide-and-seek that became an extraordinary memory when his cousin came to visit. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 27 Feb. 2024 Scoop notably isn’t the first time Andrew’s Newsnight interview, and the story behind it, has been loosely fictionalized. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2024 It is adapted from Gus Van Sant’s 2005 film of the same name, which fictionalizes the final days of Kurt Cobain. Hugh Morris, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024 The movie fictionalized her story, of course, so read the book to see where the iconic Audrey Hepburn character draws inspiration. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 For the book, Amis fictionalizes Nazi commandant Rudolf Hoss as Paul Doll, who is stationed at Auschwitz and is one of three narrators. Scott Hocker, theweek, 31 Jan. 2024 Whereas Amis fictionalized the Hösses in his book, Glazer and his production team delved into research on the real-life family, taking scenes and dialogue from actual conversations, recounted by servants and other eyewitnesses and archived for posterity. Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 16 Jan. 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.

Word History

Etymology

fictional + -ize

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fictionalize was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near fictionalize

Cite this Entry

“Fictionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictionalize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fictionalize

verb
fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-shnə-līz How to pronounce fictionalize (audio)
-shən-ᵊl-īz
fictionalized; fictionalizing
: to make into fiction
fictionalize a biography
fictionalization noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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