as in tales
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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Recent Examples of short stories
In the grand tradition of other kid-friendly cartoons, each episode contains two short stories.
—
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
At times the novel felt more like a collection of short stories than one cohesive narrative — until the second half of the book, when two events, one celebratory and one heartbreaking, bring the group together.
—Zoë Jackson, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
In 2011, researchers at UC San Diego conducted a study where participants were given short stories to read.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
His five collections and dozens of uncollected short stories also show a virtuoso at work and play.
—Jane Ciabattari
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
In the autumn of his life, Henry James went back to many of his novels and short stories, submitting them to revisions sufficiently far-reaching to keep scholars happily squabbling forever.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
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
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
Students should read Tabone’s article after reading the short stories.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
At times the novel felt more like a collection of short stories than one cohesive narrative — until the second half of the book, when two events, one celebratory and one heartbreaking, bring the group together.
—Zoë Jackson, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
In 2011, researchers at UC San Diego conducted a study where participants were given short stories to read.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
His five collections and dozens of uncollected short stories also show a virtuoso at work and play.
—Jane Ciabattari
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
In the autumn of his life, Henry James went back to many of his novels and short stories, submitting them to revisions sufficiently far-reaching to keep scholars happily squabbling forever.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
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
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
Students should read Tabone’s article after reading the short stories.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short stories
Noun
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Ever since American Horror Story debuted on FX in 2011, Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s anthology series has captivated audiences with its chilling tales, twisted characters, and unique format.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Oct. 2025
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What is perhaps surprising is that some parents and soon-to-be parents cling so tightly to old wives tales in the face of so much technological advancement.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC's Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Don't miss out on our latest stories.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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One of the authors that Covici brought along with him to Viking was a young writer named John Steinbeck; his company had published Steinbeck’s novellas Tortilla Flat in 1935 and Of Mice and Men in 1937.—
Paul Slovak
September 16,
Literary Hub,
16 Sep. 2025
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The four stories and three novellas within it are taken from books Lee published early in his career.—
Lily Meyer,
The Atlantic,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Short stories.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20stories. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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