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
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
The frenzy is being driven by a large local alumni base and riveting story lines like Indiana’s Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, returning home to play in South Florida, where his Cuban heritage has been engaging new audiences.
—Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
The frenzy is being driven by a large local alumni base and riveting story lines like Indiana’s Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, returning home to play in South Florida, where his Cuban heritage has been engaging new audiences.
—Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and donors in South Florida’s Jewish and Muslim communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza and the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process, and do not review stories before publication.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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True, Shakespeare had added the characters of Touchstone and Jacques, thus mocking the sport of love and misting it in disillusionment; but most of the plot is pure Lodge.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2026
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Samara Weaving returns with sharper edges, this time facing off against four families in a plot that veers toward global domination.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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January 20 – February 18 Messages quicken as curiosity inspires action.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Mar. 2026
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The regime has taken every precaution to dissuade would-be rioters, establishing military checkpoints and ordering violent crackdowns on the slightest actions against the state authorities.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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