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

The first version is a compact novel-within-a-novel in which this fictional couple is further fictionalized, to an uncertain degree but scandalous effect. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Which is amazing about, of course, fictionalized historical events. — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

Though the character is based on the author, the rest of this smart thriller’s story is fictionalized, a playful metatake that serves as both an ode to Highsmith’s brilliance and a twisty ride that’s sure to leave audiences surprised. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026

It’s written in the postmodern genre called autofiction, in which autobiography is fictionalized to prioritize psychological and philosophical truths over literal facts. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

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