fictional

adjective

fic·​tion·​al ˈfik-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce fictional (audio)
Synonyms of fictionalnext
: of, relating to, characterized by, or occurring in fiction : invented by the imagination
a fictional story/character
fictional dialogue
Over the past 15 years, Noble has created a fantastical, awe-inspiring fictional city called Nobson Newtown, which he renders in painstakingly detailed pencil drawings …Steve Rose
There are several surprises about stories. The first is that we spend a great deal of time in fictional worlds, whether in daydreams, novels, confabulations or life narratives. When all is tallied up, the decades we spend in the realm of fantasy outstrip the time we spend in the real world.David Eagleman
Besides scholarly writings and cultural criticism, he's turned out a fictional mystery series starring Edgar Allan Poe …Edward Lewine
fictionally adverb
… a film that documents the history of space science and fictionally portrays a journey to the moon … Lynn Baker et al.

Examples of fictional in a Sentence

the events in the horror movie seemed so real to some fans that they could not believe that the whole thing was fictional
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.
Art, ranging from quaint and peculiar to minimalist and low-key, is everywhere, and the rooms are named after fictional characters whose quirks correspond to their decor. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2026 Without missing a beat, Wintour moved straight past the question and began introducing the nominees, a response that drew laughs from the audience and echoed the famously blunt demeanor associated with the fictional fashion editor Miranda Priestly. ABC News, 15 Mar. 2026 In the story, a fictional scientist, Dobb, studies personoid theology and is fascinated by their struggles to understand the nature of their creator, leading to their eventual rejection of Dobb as a deity. Dimitris Tsementzis, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 Curtis described the dynamic between the fictional siblings in a new interview with Entertainment Weekly. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fictional

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fictional was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Fictional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictional. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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