Definition of narrativenext
1
2
as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel in such narratives as "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Purloined Letter," Edgar Allan Poe essentially created the modern detective story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of narrative Maybe Bridgers is making some sort of deep narrative point here. Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026 Related Stories That context is what the Emmy narrative keeps flattening. Clayton Davis, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026 The signal may be accurate while the surrounding narrative remains misleading. Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 When the facts fail to support the BDS narrative, the campaign too often shifts from persuasion to intimidation. Dr. Andrew M. Hutter, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for narrative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrative
Noun
  • The week’s biggest stories Animal and pet sagas Big Bear celebrity eagle Shadow has been seen with a new eagle at the nest.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • As a preteen, I became absorbed in the life of Davy Crockett, Wild Bill Hickok and others through stories written for my age group.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But the tale is even more poignant now, because as part of the team’s offensive transformation, fueled by the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, the Vikings are handing Bredeson a hefty role.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • After Transport Canada tested the Tesla Model 3 in 2023, Tesla was informed in 2024 that the vehicle's headlamp did not comply with low beam requirements, according to a Tesla chronology report for the recall.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • And then came up with the early Miasma, mid-Miasma, late-Miasma chronology.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Just One Day series spans two books and a followup novella.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a theory in the novella that Helaena is pushed from the window and Mysaria is a suspect.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • During this match, commentary announced that Nigel McGuinness suffered an injury against Shibata, and AEW will update his status in the Continental Challenge Cup on Monday.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Sure, that’s commentary on the options from a 20-12 loss to the Rams in the two teams’ preseason openers that featured a laundry list of prominent absences.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many thousands of international visitors are expected to descend on the city for what could become one of the largest eclipse gatherings in history.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Makhachev’s only loss in 30 career bouts came against Adriano Martins in October 2015, a result that has gone down as one of the most bewildering in UFC history with each passing Makhachev win.
    Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Reaves has a fully dedicated golf social media Instagram account, and right after retirement from the NBA, Smith joined the golf team at North Carolina A&T as a freshman walk-on.
    Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Leeds United’s goalkeeper does not manage his social media accounts but his friends have kept him informed of the feverish reaction to his arrival.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • States are also setting up systems that may not adequately track pregnant and postpartum enrollees who should be exempt from the law’s new work requirements, erroneously dropping them from coverage, Burak’s report said.
    Andrew Jones, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Firefighters brought the blaze under control and the injured were taken to a hospital where some were being treated for burn injuries while others suffered from smoke inhalation and asphyxiation, the report said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Narrative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrative. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on narrative

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster