short story

Definition of short storynext
as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel her very first short story was accepted for publication in a local journal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 short story Hancock wrote the script adapting the book by Matt and Harrison Query, which in turn was based on a short story by Matt Query that first appeared on Reddit. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 Hancock’s script is based on a viral horror short story by Matt & Harrison Query that first appeared on Reddit and later was adapted into a full-length novel. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 Only 38% read a novel or short story, while reading for pleasure has dropped dramatically. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 That’s the opening line of the latest in our Flash Fiction series of very short stories for summer. James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
Noun
  • The smart-mattress category Eight Sleep wants to escape just delivered a cautionary tale.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Betty Smith’s 1943 classic is a coming-of-age tale about a second-generation Irish-American girl named Francie who lives in Williamsburg with her family.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Read More TopicsVenice Film Festival Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Still, state media have been highlighting stories about cafes and other businesses being forced to close for failing to enforce rules on clothing.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nors is the author of the story collections Wild Swims and Karate Chop; four previous novels, including Mirror, Shoulder, Signal, a finalist for the Man Booker International Prize; and two novellas, collected in So Much for That Winter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Based on the first novella in Martha Wells’ book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients, played by Skarsgård.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Netanyahu is not on record as making that remark, but the slogan reflects a broader narrative promoted by Iranian hardliners, portraying women who do not wear the hijab as, at the very least, disloyal to their country.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • People hearing those stories—attorneys, reporters, healthcare workers or friends—may expect a clearer, linear narrative.
    Michele Patterson Ford, Scientific American, 22 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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