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.
The star and executive producer briefly revived the series in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois, two decades later in March 2018. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025 Known to millions as Mr. Johnson, the delightfully offbeat and endlessly wise custodian of Philadelphia’s most charming fictional school, Davis has turned what began as a recurring spot into an award-winning, fan-favorite presence. Okla Jones, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025 Though Moose Mountain is very much a fictional location, the trio (and your toddler) still end up learning real facts about weather stations, animals, and bees. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025 Kanopy won’t be competing with A24 for Sundance titles anytime soon, but Tyrell hopes to pursue not just documentaries but fictional book adaptations that can tap into a crossover audience of film lovers and avid readers. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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