fictionalize

verb

fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 

fictionalized; fictionalizing

transitive verb

: to make into or treat in the manner of fiction

fictionalize a biography

fictionalization

ˌfik-sh(ə-)nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

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

Here's everything to know about what The Monster of Florence got right and which elements of the real case were fictionalized. —Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025

Unlike past attempts at fictionalizing his life, Macmanus barely touches on the fact that Gacy had a hobby of dressing up like a clown, and doesn’t show any actual murders in the series. —Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

Were those real or fictionalized? —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025

Netflix and Peacock each released lightly fictionalized, eight-episode examinations of infamous American serial killers this October. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

fictional + -ize

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fictionalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

fictionalize

verb

fic·​tion·​al·​ize ˈfik-shnə-līz 

-shən-ᵊl-īz

fictionalized; fictionalizing

: to make into fiction

fictionalize a biography

fictionalization

ˌfik-shnə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

-shən-ᵊl-ə-

noun