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Definitions

made-up

[meyd-uhp] / ˈmeɪdˈʌp /
ADJECTIVE
invented mentally
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fabricated fictional
WEAK
false imaginary make believe mythical prepared specious trumped-up unreal untrue
Antonyms
WEAK
original real true
made up
VERB
create
Synonyms
WEAK
ad-lib blend coin combine compose compound concoct construct contrive cook up devise dream up fabricate fabulize fake it fashion fictionalize fix formulate frame fuse hatch improv improvise invent join knock off make meld merge mingle mix originate play by ear prepare pretend put together ready storify trump up whip up wing it write
Antonyms
WEAK
be real disagree tell truth
VERB
comprise, constitute
Synonyms
WEAK
complete compose consist fill form furnish include make meet provide supply
Antonyms
WEAK
be real disagree tell truth
VERB
compensate, reconcile
Synonyms
WEAK
accommodate atone balance bury the hatchet come to terms compose conciliate counterbalance counterpoise countervail forgive and forget make amends make peace mend offset outweigh pacify recompense redeem redress requite set off settle shake hands
Antonyms
WEAK
be real disagree tell truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She locked down comments on the post in an apparent attempt to stanch the torrent of mockery her made-up acronym invited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Space Force, the made-up military branch he ratified in 2019, which he called “my baby” that is becoming “so important.”

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

Yet the chair is now staring down a potential criminal charge for a made-up crime.

From Slate • Jan. 12, 2026

The L.A. native did the impossible for someone who rarely delves into made-up stories because the real world is fantastical enough: She made me not just read fiction but enjoy it.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

“I’m not being funny. He doesn’t think about me. He’s made someone up, and it’s like he put my skin on her. I’m not like that—not like the made-up one.”

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck