as in story
the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work
the story line is clumsily interrupted several times to provide some much-needed background information
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of story line
Sesame Street has also evolved over the years with new characters and story lines that reflect the changing times, including social-emotional learning and mental health.
—
Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the team has been the biggest story line for the underwhelming Bucks, who are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
No story line rivals that of Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick who will start in favor of the benched Tua Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the team has been the biggest story line for the underwhelming Bucks, who are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
No story line rivals that of Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick who will start in favor of the benched Tua Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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This chance encounter between a group of young Brits and Americans led to three transatlantic love stories and three weddings.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
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This story has been updated to add new information.—
Andrea Shalal,
USA Today,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But last year’s real-life conclave was just as dramatic, with plenty of plot twists, political battles among cardinals and a surprise outcome.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
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Against that real history, the building’s ghost stories feel more like colorful footnotes than the main plot.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Boys hockey Mason McGovern netted the winner with 40 seconds remaining to give Austin Prep a 3-2 victory over Hoosac in NEPSAC action.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Melissa Barrera, who starred in the fifth and sixth movies, was fired from the seventh installment in 2023 after expressing support for the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israeli actions in the Israel-Hamas war.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
26 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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