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
Through interviews with almost 30 immigrants navigating the H-1B system, the team learned of the real impact of policy changes and incorporated them into game story lines.
—
Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Few spectacles in America generate dumber story lines than the Super Bowl does, and one of the dumbest this week involved an investigation into a problem that does not exist.
—Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2026
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Few spectacles in America generate dumber story lines than the Super Bowl does, and one of the dumbest this week involved an investigation into a problem that does not exist.
—Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 7 Feb. 2026
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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French counterterrorism prosecutors also said the plot to ignite an explosive device outside the Paris headquarters of Bank of America appears to be linked to HAYI, but a firm link has not yet been established.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Olivier said the sentence and verdict was based solely on his actions on the day.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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While levels of lead in soil are the main drivers for EPA action, the data on children’s blood lead levels can inform decisions like lowering cleanup thresholds, said Kellen Ashford, an EPA spokesperson.—
Chris Bowling,
ProPublica,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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