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

Clint Eastwood, who directed, produced and co-starred in “Million Dollar Baby,” played the only fictional character in the bunch, Frankie Dunn.

From Los Angeles Times

In “The Outrun,” adapted by director Nora Fingscheidt from Amy Liptrot’s 2016 memoir of the same name, Rona is a fictional version of the author.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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