FICTIONAL Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

fictional

adjective

ˈfik-shnəl

Definition of fictional

as in fictitious

not real and existing only in the imagination the events in the horror movie seemed so real to some fans that they could not believe that the whole thing was fictional

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fictional Aside from the fictional King Kong, who first appeared in a 1933 film atop the skyscraper, others in real life legally — and illegally — climbed the famous skyscraper. — Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Employees' Cultural Contributions Culture fit is a fictional term. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 In honor of The Bear’s final season, Jono Pandolfi’s signature white and toasted clay dinnerware (featured in the fictional restaurant) is 15% off. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026 The upcoming film finds the Jonas Brothers returning as Shane, Nate, and Jason Gray, members of the fictional band Connect 3. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fictional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fictional

Adjective

The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 June 2026
Hosting its usual presentation at its headquarters, located a stone’s throw from San Babila square, the brand installed video walls that broadcast a fictitious runway show created with the help of AI.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Definition of fictitious

Adjective

Hop aboard an imaginary Vespa, or perhaps a high-speed train eastward to the boot country, where not every meal comes blistering out of a brick oven or ladled from a bubbling pot.

— Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026
Some rehearse using a bedpan — placing it in the right spot, cleaning out the imaginary contents.

— Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 30 June 2026

Definition of imaginary

Adjective

But a wiser course might be to emphasize a kind of counter-nostalgia, reclaiming a mythic past for the forces of tolerance and democratic generosity.

— Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Together, the band brings to life a mythic world of ancient heroes and villains, attracting an excited audience of headbangers and fantasy fanatics, many of whom show up in costume.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026

Definition of mythical

Browse Nearby Words

fiction

fictional

fictionalized

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fictional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fictional. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fictional

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on fictional

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

perfunctory

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes