fictional
adjective
fic·tion·al
ˈfik-sh(ə-)nəl 
: of, relating to, characterized by, or occurring in fiction : invented by the imagination
a fictional story/character
fictional dialogue
Over the past 15 years, Noble has created a fantastical, awe-inspiring fictional city called Nobson Newtown, which he renders in painstakingly detailed pencil drawings …—
Steve Rose
Steve RoseThere are several surprises about stories. The first is that we spend a great deal of time in fictional worlds, whether in daydreams, novels, confabulations or life narratives. When all is tallied up, the decades we spend in the realm of fantasy outstrip the time we spend in the real world.—David Eagleman
David EaglemanBesides scholarly writings and cultural criticism, he's turned out a fictional mystery series starring Edgar Allan Poe …—Edward Lewine
Edward Lewine
fictionally
adverb
… a film that documents the history of space science and fictionally portrays a journey to the moon …
—Lynn Baker et al.
Lynn Baker et al.
Synonyms of fictional
Examples of fictional in a Sentence
the events in the horror movie seemed so real to some fans that they could not believe that the whole thing was fictional
Recent Examples on the Web
Guests were given a complimentary tote bag full of gifts inspired by the movie—including a TreSemme workable hair spray, Devil Wears Prada branded Diet Coke, and a copy of the fictional Runway magazine, with Blunt’s Emily Charlton on the cover.
—Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
The original 2006 movie begins when Anne Hathaway's character, Andy Sachs, is hired into the same role of second assistant to the head of the fictional Runway magazine.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The company is set to develop a fictional universe inspired by the negotiator’s vast experience in mediating high-pressure situations such as nuclear standoffs, labor disputes and peace talks across four continents.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
As marijuana has normalized in the real world, fictional entertainment has shifted toward substances that still carry serious risk.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fictional
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Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
The original 2006 movie begins when Anne Hathaway's character, Andy Sachs, is hired into the same role of second assistant to the head of the fictional Runway magazine.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The company is set to develop a fictional universe inspired by the negotiator’s vast experience in mediating high-pressure situations such as nuclear standoffs, labor disputes and peace talks across four continents.
—Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
As marijuana has normalized in the real world, fictional entertainment has shifted toward substances that still carry serious risk.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fictional
Cite this Entry
“Fictional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictional. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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