1. the unconscious creation of false memories or filling in of gaps in memory with fabricated details, often without intent to deceive
Usage: psychology, neurology; common in memory research and clinical settings
2. casual conversation or informal discussion between people
Usage: archaic; rare in modern usage

Examples

• The witness's confabulation led her to remember details that never actually occurred at the scene.
• Researchers study confabulation to understand how memory can be unreliable even when people believe they are being truthful.
• After the accident, the patient experienced confabulation and filled in missing memories with plausible but false events.
• Confabulation is a normal cognitive process that happens to everyone, not a sign of dishonesty.
• The psychologist explained that confabulation often occurs when people try to make sense of incomplete or fragmented memories.
• Studies show that leading questions can increase confabulation in eyewitness testimony.