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short story

noun

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 In fact, studies have found that readers sometimes prefer ChatGPT’s prose or short stories to the human variety—but sour on them when informed about the AI’s involvement. — Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 According to EduTopia, putting images and short stories or quotes around the classroom can inspire students and give them a greater sense of belonging. — Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The Complete Stories Published in 1971 but written much earlier, Flannery O’Connor’s sharp, Southern Gothic short stories cement her place in the American literary canon. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
  1. tale
  2. story
  3. novella
  4. narrative
Noun
  • The Zoe reveal is a neat wrinkle in the tale, one that John admits to wondering about without being sure.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • These factors, including varying breeds, make the old wives tale of multiplying a dog's age by seven inaccurate.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • Whether Arnault can leverage his track record across multiple international brands to help reverse Nike's fortunes while cementing his position within the Arnault family's succession landscape remains a story that will unfold soon.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Bible readers may wonder how this fit with Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command, and philosophers have occasionally tried to reconcile the two stories with textual twists.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • The company is working on a feature adaptation of Pulitzer Prize finalist Torrey Peters’ novella Stag Dance and a feature romantic comedy from Carly Usdin and Brittani Nichols featuring WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance, and Syd Colson.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Deep in the Pyrenees mountains, a young man, Miquel, struggles in the wake of his mother’s death in a snowstorm — a tragic event that was at the center of Tóibín’s 2006 novella, A Long Winter.
    — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of novella
Noun
  • There was some experimenting with the memoir being all letters, one big letter, or placed interstitially among narrative, but there were always going to be the letters.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The film blends historical scope with a visceral, lyrical narrative exploring Puerto Rico’s origins.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of narrative

Browse Nearby Words

short stories
short story
short subject
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Cite this Entry

“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on short story

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about short story

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