fictional

adjective

fic·​tion·​al ˈfik-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce fictional (audio)
: 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.
Also surmised by the movie trailer is that the plot surrounds fictional driver Sonny Hayes, played by actor Brad Pitt. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 4 May 2025 Focus Features Papal conclaves have inspired several books and films Released in 2024, the movie Conclave, based on the 2016 novel of the same name, focuses on the fictional death of a Pope and the subsequent election process. Callum Sutherland, Time, 3 May 2025 Ulman’s debut struck Sevigny and, later on, the director asked Sevigny to be in the film, specifically writing the part of Edna, the host of the fictional Vice-esque show, for her. Kerensa Cadenas, IndieWire, 2 May 2025 Her fictional work includes a wide range of surrealist short stories, plays, and novels. Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025 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 11 May. 2025.

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