fiction

Stories about imaginary people and events, or writing that consists of these stories.

• I enjoy reading fiction.
• She writes crime fiction for young adults.
• The library keeps fiction on the ground floor.

Opposites: nonfiction

Common phrases: science fiction, crime fiction, read fiction

Something invented or treated as true even though it does not match reality.

• Their supposed friendship was a fiction.
• The law relies on a useful legal fiction.
• They maintained the fiction that everyone had equal power.

Similar words: invention, myth

Opposites: fact

Common phrases: legal fiction, convenient fiction, maintain a fiction

A false story, statement, or belief, often used to deceive people.

• His excuse was pure fiction.
• The reports were full of carefully invented fictions.
• Her claim to own the building turned out to be a fiction.

Similar words: fabrication, falsehood, lie

Opposites: truth

Common phrases: complete fiction, pure fiction, invent a fiction