Fiction. Novels are mostly works of fiction. They are stories that are made up, so 'fiction' can be considered another word for a novel. It emphasizes the fictional nature of the narrative.
Narrative. A novel is a long narrative work. It tells a story, and 'narrative' emphasizes the storytelling aspect, so it can be another word for novel.
A third word that can be used instead of fiction is 'fable'. However, a fable often has a moral lesson within it, which is not always the case for all types of fiction. But in a general sense, it can be considered as another word for fiction. Fables are fictional tales that usually involve animals or inanimate objects as characters, and they are passed down through generations to teach people certain values or life lessons.
An old story can also be called a 'tale'. For example, we often say 'fairy tales' which are a type of old stories passed down through generations. Tales usually have some kind of narrative and can be fictional or based on real events from the past.
Another word is 'literary gem'. Classic novels are like precious gems in the literary world. They possess qualities that make them stand out, like unique storytelling, profound themes, and well - developed characters. For instance, 'Moby - Dick' is a classic novel and truly a literary gem.