fictionalize

American  

[fik-shuh-nl-ahyz] / ˈfɪk ʃə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, fictionalise

verb (used with object)

fictionalized, fictionalizing

1. to make into fiction; give a somewhat imaginative or fictional version of.

   to fictionalize a biography.

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fictionalize British  

/ ˈfɪkʃənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to make into fiction or give a fictional aspect to

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Other Word Forms

• fictionalization noun
• fictionalizer noun
• semifictionalized adjective

Etymology

Origin of fictionalize

First recorded in 1920–25; fictional ( def. ) + -ize

Example Sentences

By authorizing the content and direction of the documentary, Jackson takes care to preserve and even somewhat redeem Joseph’s legacy, one that other documentaries, specials and fictionalized versions of Michael’s life have characterized as abusive.

From Salon

“Her First American,” Segal’s best book, also draws closely from life, but its fictionalizing feels freer and brings out poignant elements of romance and tragicomedy.

From The Wall Street Journal

It includes having your most intimate moments fictionalized for the purposes of a miniseries and, in Kennedy’s case, your father’s assassination and your family’s reaction to trauma raked over one more time.

From Los Angeles Times

I expected, given the title and the opening scene, to read a novel that picks from the popular theories of Marilyn’s death and fictionalizes how those could have happened.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms. Snider’s libretto fictionalizes and extrapolates from the historical record.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fabricate