false report; lie; fabricated story
Refers to a deliberately made-up story or false report, often with a formal or literary tone. Not an everyday word for a casual lie; more likely to appear in written or serious contexts.
His story was a complete fabrication.
Publishing false reports in the newspaper is not allowed.
wild rumor; groundless gossip
Compound of 造 (create, make up) and 言 (words, speech). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji suggest the meaning of 'made-up words'.