Definition of storynext
1
as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel he's a talented writer, but his quirky stories will never find a wide readership

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2
as in anecdote
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally Grandpa is always telling stories about what it was like growing up on a farm

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3
4
5
as in whisper
a rumor or report of a personal or sensational nature stories going around that the old man had died with thousands of dollars hidden under his mattress

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6
7
as in plot
the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work the story proceeds at a pace that many readers will find a bit too leisurely

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8
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances management is trying to figure out what the story is with the accident down in the warehouse

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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 story The original story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists. — Lina Ruiz october 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Oct. 2026 In this alternate timeline, as the clip previews, the webslinger’s origin story features a mentorship by Norman Osborn (of Oscorp fame), the alter ego to bitter enemy Green Goblin, instead of Tony Stark. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 Your response may be included in an upcoming Los Angeles Times story or lead to a phone interview. — Michelle Vartan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 There was a period where airspace was closed in the Gulf after the Iran conflict began, and then questions about whether the region’s growth story would be interrupted. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story
Noun
  • The drama mixes battlefield action with a tale of conflicted allegiances and the dangers of undercover work in hostile territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Flanagan is the prolific horror writer-director who has tackled several Stephen King tales (Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, Carrie) and delivered several limited series hits for Netflix (Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Oeko-Tex’s existing Label Check tool allows shoppers to scan a QR code or enter a certificate number or product ID to verify a label and view the information associated with it.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The Producers Guild of Korea and Italy’s CNA Cinema e Audiovisivo will set up exchange programs and share information on public funding, building on the two countries’ government-level co-production accord.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Hanold expects investors to focus on management commentary on 2027 capital plans, Williston M&A opportunities, and long-term performance of 4-mile wells.
    — , CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The comments reflect a mix of satire, criticism, and political commentary.
    — Lucas Trevor, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Monday was a perfect example, when the two biggest drags on the S&P 500 were Nvidia and Micron, but were offset almost to the penny by gains in Apple and Meta, helping the index itself to finish a whisper from unchanged.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Lance Leipold has heard the whispers through the years that perhaps Kansas’ football coach doesn’t place enough emphasis on the yearly Sunflower Showdown against Kansas State.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Another way to hold accountable those spreading lies online is to sue them.
    — Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Undoubtedly, a stack of crazy, low-IQ and weird lies will follow.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the cookie-cutter nature of the main plot elements, a few star writers emerged who were able to keep readers guessing.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the days before Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was gunned down inside his second-floor bedroom, tensions were mounting in South Florida among the men involved in the plot to overthrow him.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The security situation in southern Lebanon has worsened substantially since then, with the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war in March.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Hailey, who was sitting and listening, likens their situations.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As for the sitting president, he’s named just once, in the opening line of the titular novella.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The company is working on a feature adaptation of Pulitzer Prize finalist Torrey Peters’ novella Stag Dance and a feature romantic comedy from Carly Usdin and Brittani Nichols featuring WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance, and Syd Colson.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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