roman a clef

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.

The story quoted a few skeptics—among them the writer Harry Monaghan, who’d written a well-received roman à clef five years prior, and who had a regular column in the Post.

From Slate • May 27, 2023

Her third book, “American Wife,” was a darkly shaded roman à clef about a woman very much like First Lady Laura Bush.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2023

Anderson has written, publishing four novels, including "Star," a roman à clef, and three autobiographies — a much larger backlist than the average model/actor.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2023

“I never wanted to write a roman à clef but it ended up being that because you can’t use all these names,” the playwright said recently.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2020

Charlotte's success, indeed, was so stunning that for all but sixty years Villette has passed for a roman à clef, the novel, not only of experience, but of personal experience.

From The Three Brontës by Sinclair, May