fictionalize
verb
fic·tion·al·ize
ˈfik-sh(ə-)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
Rose is such a project, a historical drama that plays out like a folk tale, an aggregate of many similar true-life stories — some detected, others not — lightly fictionalized and thoughtfully distilled into one.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
For anyone who has watched even a handful of Chicken Shop Date episodes, the premise may feel like familiar territory — albeit fictionalized.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
By fictionalizing him as a real spaceman visiting new galaxies in each era of his career, Cordell brings young readers into the magic and wonder of Bowie’s life.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The novel tells, among other things, the story of a friendship between Helen DeWitt (at certain points apparently fictionalized as a reclusive, suicidal writer named Rachel Zozanian) and the tabloid journalist Ilya Gridneff.
—Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fictionalize
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Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
For anyone who has watched even a handful of Chicken Shop Date episodes, the premise may feel like familiar territory — albeit fictionalized.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
By fictionalizing him as a real spaceman visiting new galaxies in each era of his career, Cordell brings young readers into the magic and wonder of Bowie’s life.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The novel tells, among other things, the story of a friendship between Helen DeWitt (at certain points apparently fictionalized as a reclusive, suicidal writer named Rachel Zozanian) and the tabloid journalist Ilya Gridneff.
—Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fictionalize
Cite this Entry
“Fictionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictionalize. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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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