fictionalized

adjective

fic·​tion·​al·​ized ˈfik-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīzd How to pronounce fictionalized (audio)
: made into fiction : altered by the addition of fictional elements
a fictionalized account of the first moon landing
fictionalized history

Examples of fictionalized in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 2005 Van Sant film was an experimental and fictionalized account of a Seattle musician’s life and career, reminiscent of those of Kurt Cobain. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025 The movie is a fictionalized account of real-life serial killer Charles Starkweather and his teenage accomplice, Caril Ann Fugate. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 Blue Moon stars Hawke as a fictionalized version of Lorenz Hart, the brilliant lyricist who worked alongside composer Richard Rodgers before Rodgers teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein II. Kyle McGovern, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025 Co-starring Andrew Scott as Rodgers and Margaret Qualley as a semi-fictionalized admirer of the closeted Hart, Blue Moon promises to be a wrenching look at a complex and tortured songwriter, with stunning performances to boot. Samantha Allen, Them., 2 Sep. 2025 Starring the rapper/actor as a fictionalized version of himself, The Vince Staples Show is part episodic comedy, part social satire, part surrealist exploration of urban anxiety — and 100 percent original. EW.com, 19 Aug. 2025 The show, which features Staples as a fictionalized version of himself, is set to pick up with Vince mourning the death of his Uncle James (Beau Billingslea), and embarking on a road trip with his mother, Anita (Vanessa Bell Calloway), and sister, Bri (Naté Jones), in the aftermath. Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 19 Aug. 2025 Whether real or fictionalized, rich women behaving badly is a formula that never fails to deliver (see exhibits A, B, C: Real Housewives, Desperate Housewives, Mormon Wives). Andrea Lavinthal, People.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The sports dramedy is a fictionalized account of the real-life Marty Reisman, a five-time bronze medalist at the World Table Tennis Championships who died in 2012. Abigail Lee, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fictionalized was in 1905

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Cite this Entry

“Fictionalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictionalized. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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