fictionalize
verb
fic·tion·al·ize
ˈfik-sh(ə-)nə-ˌlīz 
fictionalized; fictionalizing
: to make into or treat in the manner of fiction
fictionalize a biography
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
Here's everything to know about what The Monster of Florence got right and which elements of the real case were fictionalized.
—
Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Unlike past attempts at fictionalizing his life, Macmanus barely touches on the fact that Gacy had a hobby of dressing up like a clown, and doesn’t show any actual murders in the series.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Were those real or fictionalized?
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Netflix and Peacock each released lightly fictionalized, eight-episode examinations of infamous American serial killers this October.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fictionalize
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Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Unlike past attempts at fictionalizing his life, Macmanus barely touches on the fact that Gacy had a hobby of dressing up like a clown, and doesn’t show any actual murders in the series.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Were those real or fictionalized?
—Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Netflix and Peacock each released lightly fictionalized, eight-episode examinations of infamous American serial killers this October.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fictionalize
Cite this Entry
“Fictionalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fictionalize. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fictionalize
verb
fic·tion·al·ize
ˈfik-shnə-līz
-shən-ᵊl-īz
fictionalized; fictionalizing
: to make into fiction
fictionalize a biography
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