verb C2 Proficient

fabricate

FAB-rih-kayt

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Fabricate (verb) means to manufacture or build something, especially by assembling parts. Example: “The company fabricates steel components for the aerospace industry.”

verb

To manufacture or build something, especially by assembling parts.

"The company fabricates steel components for the aerospace industry."

To invent a false story, document, or excuse and present it as genuine.

"He fabricated evidence to cover up the mistake."

"The journalist was fired for fabricating quotes."

How to use fabricate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo build something physically, or to make up something false and pass it off as real.

Common mistake

In everyday use "fabricate" almost always implies dishonesty (fabricate a story/excuse); the neutral "manufacture" sense is more common in technical or industrial writing.

Common pairings

fabricate evidence fabricate a story fabricate parts

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Third person singular: fabricates
Past tense: fabricated

Test yourself on “fabricate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The company _____ steel components for the aerospace industry.

Etymology

From Latin fabricare, "to build or construct," from fabrica, "workshop" — the sense of "make up a lie" developed later in English.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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manufacture construct invent cook up make up vamp

Antonyms

demolish destroy

Related words

make down making form industry kill save create

Rhymes for fabricate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for fabricate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fabricate” mean?

The word “fabricate” means to manufacture or build something, especially by assembling parts. In plain terms, to build something physically, or to make up something false and pass it off as real.

How do you pronounce “fabricate”?

“Fabricate” is pronounced FAB-rih-kayt (/ˈfæb.ɹɪ.keɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “fabricate” in a sentence?

Here is “fabricate” used in a sentence: “The company fabricates steel components for the aerospace industry.”

What part of speech is “fabricate”?

“Fabricate” is a verb.

Where does the word “fabricate” come from?

The word “fabricate” comes from Latin. From Latin fabricare, "to build or construct," from fabrica, "workshop" — the sense of "make up a lie" developed later in English.

How many meanings does “fabricate” have?

“Fabricate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to manufacture or build something, especially by assembling parts.

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