short story

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

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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 Enjoy their eclectic fiction, including short stories, thrillers, and a novel set in the milieu of fonts and typefaces. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025 This can be a bold statement, a short story, or a personal revelation. Carmine Gallo, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Miller had been working unsuccessfully on several novels when his collection of experiential short stories and observations found an audience. Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025 These short stories about scientists working at the leading edge of climate microbiology reveal the vital role microbes play in our biosphere and climate system, and illuminate new possibilities for collaborating with these incredible natural chemists. Katherine Bourzac, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
Noun
  • In a battle between two undefeated NFC teams, the Buccaneers and Eagles played a tale of two halves that came down to the wire.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Told through empathetic interviews with his bandmates and family, Struebing’s ordeal becomes a tale of partial redemption and a lament about the failure of our justice system to meet the mental-health needs of people caught up in it.
    Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as they’re published.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Her stories began running Monday and will continue this week.
    Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall, the novella wraps up the trilogy that DiCamillo largely wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Based on Denis Johnson’s beloved novella, Train Dreams is the portrait of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly changing America of the early 20th Century.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The case, which initially appeared to be the tragic end to a stalking situation, revealed how Daniel thoroughly created a false narrative using burner phones and carefully planned digital deception, all while playing the role of a concerned husband.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement As tech leaders deploy strategies and narratives that echo those of colonialism (read Karen Hao for more), the Congo is once again in the crosshairs, with miners harvesting the cobalt that powers smartphones, computers and electric vehicles in slave-like conditions.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 Sep. 2025

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“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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