fictional

[ fik-shuhn-l ]

adjective

1. invented as part of a work of fiction:

   Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective.

2. of, like, or characterized by fiction:

   He used a fictional situation to explain the subject.

Other Words From

• fic·tion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fictional¹

First recorded in 1840–45; fiction ( def ) + -al ¹( def )

Example Sentences

Carl, a kind raccoon who loves to collect things, lives in a fictional world called Fuzzytown with his friends, including twin rabbits, a helpful beaver, a reserved fox and an energetic squirrel.

From Los Angeles Times

The soap, which is set in the fictional town of Letherbridge, has followed the lives of staff and patients of a Midlands GP practice, for 24 years.

From BBC

He regards himself as an artist, has lots of money, is well-connected in power circles and is withal the very model of a modern fictional psycho killer.

From Los Angeles Times

Gabriela’s one of five fictional characters I created in 2022 to monitor how different people, with different political views, are targeted by content on social media.

From BBC

"When the first fictional vampire appeared in 1819, there was a strong link with tuberculosis," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• fabricated
• fanciful
• imaginary
• imagined
• made-up
• make believe