narrative

1 of 2

noun

nar·​ra·​tive ˈner-ə-tiv 

ˈna-rə-

1

a

: something that is narrated : story, account

He is writing a detailed narrative of his life on the island.

b

: a way of presenting or understanding a situation or series of events that reflects and promotes a particular point of view or set of values

The rise of the Tea Party and the weakness of the Obama economy have fueled a Republican narrative about Big Government as a threat to liberty …

—Michael Grunwald

The media narrative around Kelly's appointment had two central ideas … : He would calm and professionalize the White House, and he would provide a more measured leadership style than his boss.

—Perry Bacon, Jr.

2

: the art or practice of narration

… depended not on narrative but on intensity derived from the verity to make the book jump.

—Stanley Kauffmann

3

: the representation in art of an event or story

also : an example of such a representation

the narrative of St. Joan of Arc

narratively adverb

narrative

2 of 2

adjective

1

: having the form of a story or representing a story

a narrative poem

narrative paintings

2

: of or relating to the process of telling a story

the author's narrative style

the novel's narrative structure

Synonyms

Noun

• account
• chronicle
• chronology
• commentary
• commentaries
• history
• narration
• record
• report
• story

Examples of narrative in a Sentence

Noun

He is writing a detailed narrative of his life on the island.

People have questioned the accuracy of his narrative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With the use of engaging narrative techniques, accurately researched historical background, and a touch of humor and warmth, Sadlowski offers a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever aspired to realize a dream, overcome adversity, or heeded the call to give care to others. —Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 May 2025

Showrunner Erica Messer hinted that both JJ and Dr. Lewis will have expanded narratives in the current season, and the door remains open for other past characters like Josh Stewart's Will LaMontagne and Felicity Huffman's Dr. Jill Gideon to return, according to TV Insider. —Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

Adjective

Taking a liberty or two with the secretive process for dramatic and narrative effect, the Edward Berger directed Conclave is adapted from Richard Harris’ 2016 bestseller also of the same name. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 7 May 2025

There are logic puzzles and perspective puzzles, games of deductive reasoning and careful planning, physics toys and narrative knots. —Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing narrative

• counter-narrative

Kids Definition

narrative

noun

nar·​ra·​tive ˈnar-ət-iv 

1

: something (as a story) that is told or written

2

: the art or practice of telling stories

narrative adjective