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

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

While the defense has hinted that Davis' ghostwriter, Yusef Jah, fictionalized some details and that the defendant wasn't involved in the crime, prosecutors have Jah's name on their witness list. — Michael Ruiz , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

His lawyers, who had argued that some events in the book were fictionalized or embellished, were unsuccessful in blocking it from trial. — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 17 Aug. 2026

But other moments are fictionalized, as are some of the characters. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 11 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