Science fiction is a literary genre that is loved by many. However, if you are looking for a way to spruce up your writing or speech, it may be helpful to know some alternative words to use instead of "science fiction." For starters, you might try using "speculative fiction", which is a broader term encompassing not just science but also fantasy and other imaginative elements. Another option is "sci-fi", a shorter colloquialism that still gets the point across. Some other possibilities include "futuristic fiction," "space opera," "cyberpunk," "time travel fiction," and "dystopian fiction." No matter which synonym you choose, though, the overarching appeal of science fiction remains intact.