fiction
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for fiction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Writing about imaginary people and events, rather than real ones.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fiction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French ficcion, from Latin fictiō ("a shaping, invention"), from fingō ("to form, feign").
Full origin of fiction →Frequently asked questions
What does “fiction” mean?
The word “fiction” means writing about imaginary people and events, rather than real ones. In plain terms, made-up stories, or more broadly, anything untrue presented as if it were fact.
How do you pronounce “fiction”?
“Fiction” is pronounced FIHK-shuhn (/ˈfɪkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “fiction” in a sentence?
Here is “fiction” used in a sentence: “She writes historical fiction set in Victorian London.”
What is another word for “fiction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fiction” include fabrication and figment.
What is the opposite of “fiction”?
The opposite of “fiction” — its antonyms — are documentary, fact, non-fiction and truth.
What part of speech is “fiction”?
“Fiction” is a noun.
Where does the word “fiction” come from?
The word “fiction” comes from Latin. From Old French ficcion, from Latin fictiō ("a shaping, invention"), from fingō ("to form, feign").
Is “fiction” a common word?
“Fiction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?
Fiction is writing about imaginary people and events invented by the author, such as novels and short stories. Non-fiction deals with real facts, people, and events, like biographies, history, and journalism. The simplest test is whether the content is made up or true to real life.
What is the difference between 'fictional' and 'fictitious'?
'Fictional' means belonging to fiction or literature — a fictional character in a novel. 'Fictitious' means false or invented, often to deceive — a fictitious name on a form. Both describe things that are not real, but 'fictitious' carries a stronger sense of dishonesty or trickery.
What are the types of fiction?
Fiction spans forms such as novels, novellas, and short stories, and genres including science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romance, and historical fiction. It ranges from literary fiction, prized for style and depth, to popular genre fiction written mainly to entertain — all sharing invented characters and events.