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 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. Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026 And then, like so many stories involving a great idea, pent-up frustration, and the Internet, the whole thing took off. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026 Her family declined to be interviewed for this story. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 More arts coverage Want to see more stories like this? Adam Bell, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story
Noun
  • For a cautionary tale, look no further than Kraft Heinz, formed by a mega-merger in 2015.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The series, the tale of a wealthy family forced to start from scratch in the middle-of-nowhere town of the title, amassed a cult following during the pandemic.
    Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • While this moment might offer a commentary on the weird plenty of the marketplace, Anna senses her father is lost an increasing haze and intervenes.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Analysts have cited Night of the Living Dead as a subversive commentary on the Vietnam War, which was raging at the time of the film's release.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fine, minimalist belts like this Cézembre beltcan be worn alone for a whisper of detail or doubled (even tripled) for stronger visual impact.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But now the whispers are growing into a chorus.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The content of the speech was a litany of lies, fantasy and exaggerated claims.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
  • But that confidence in ourselves and our capacity was always a lie.
    Adam Frank, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The unabashed silliness of the plot does little to dilute the entertainment value of director Juan Piquer Simón's sleazy, cheesy fever dream.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
  • For many viewers, the plot lines feel human, flawed and real.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The situation is not all that different from that along the Mississippi, Missouri or Tennessee rivers, where a series of dams controls water flow.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Doug Hendrickson posted on social media Thursday to explain his situation with Williams.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And since Freida McFadden’s book series that the movie is based on has three installments (plus one novella), this may not be the end.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The Art of Conjuring is the first novella to be released by the press.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Garrett remains on the run, with Melody declining to provide information on his whereabouts.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The company also said that forecasts generated by its tools could be created independently, allowing government agencies and companies to control their own information.
    Joe Wertz, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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