fictitious

[ fik-tish-uhs ]

adjective

1. created, taken, or assumed for the sake of concealment; not genuine; false:

   fictitious names.

   Synonyms: fake, spurious

2. of, relating to, or consisting of fiction; imaginatively produced or set forth; created by the imagination:

   a fictitious hero.

   Synonyms: fictional

fictitious

/ fɪkˈtɪʃəs /

adjective

1. not genuine or authentic; assumed; false

   to give a fictitious address

2. of, related to, or characteristic of fiction; created by the imagination

Derived Forms

• ficˈtitiousness, noun
• ficˈtitiously, adverb

Other Words From

• fic·titious·ly adverb
• fic·titious·ness noun
• half-fic·titious adjective
• half-fic·titious·ly adverb
• half-fic·titious·ness noun
• nonfic·titious adjective
• nonfic·titious·ly adverb
• nonfic·titious·ness noun
• quasi-fic·titious adjective
• quasi-fic·titious·ly adverb
• semi·fic·titious adjective
• unfic·titious adjective
• unfic·titious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of fictitious¹

1605–15; from Latin fictīcius “artificial,” equivalent to fict(us) “shaped, feigned” ( fiction ) + -īcius -itious

Example Sentences

Most have changed their physical appearance and assumed fictitious identities, all the way down to new driver’s licenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Sentencing, the judge said across all charges there had been “in total six decoy/fictitious children ranging from 12 years to under 16 years”.

From BBC

It is understood that one of its representatives approached the COP29 team posing as the head of a fictitious Hong Kong investment firm specialising in energy.

From BBC

He told the jury he was trying to get his story reported in the media to increase his credibility with his Iranian intelligence handlers who he says he had given "entirely fictitious" information.

From BBC

Mr Khalife said that in reality, he was worried there could be consequences if his handlers found out the information he had given them was “entirely fictitious”.

From BBC

Related Words

• apocryphal
• bogus
• counterfeit
• fabricated
• false
• fanciful
• fictional
• imaginary
• make believe
• misleading
• mythical
• phony
• sham
• spurious