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

There 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

Besides scholarly writings and cultural criticism, he's turned out a fictional mystery series starring Edgar Allan Poe …

—Edward Lewine

fictionally

ˈfik-sh(ə-)nəl-ē 

adverb

… a film that documents the history of space science and fictionally portrays a journey to the moon …

—Lynn Baker et al.

Synonyms of fictional

• fictitious
• imaginary
• mythical
• imagined
• fantasied

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

The gaming property centers on Helldivers, a squad of elite shock troopers who must protect the fictional planet of Super Earth from attacking aliens. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026

Using the color barrier in American baseball as a narrative bridge to the challenges facing a fictional English women's soccer team felt painfully forced and over-the-top. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

The choreography also draws on multiple regional styles, including Kuthu, Bharatanatyam and Pakistani-influenced dance, reflecting the mix of identities on the fictional team. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

The company wants to pay Miami-Dade for real-life promotions of a new version of the Vice City version of the game, which unfolds in a fictional version of Miami. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fictional

• frictional
• jurisdictional