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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Recent Examples of short story
As a writer, Kluge was known mainly for his short stories and works of social criticism.
—
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
Founded in 2021 by former Texas Ballet Theater company member Diana Crowder, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet had a breakthrough performance last fall with Crowder’s captivating adaptation of The Martian author Andy Weir’s short story The Egg.
—Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
Sultan’s latest posthumous collection shifts the focus to the artist’s mostly unpublished writings, which include his musings on teaching and art, unfinished short stories, dream logs, and essays.
—Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2026
The film will be adapted from Pulitzer Prize finalist Dave Eggers’ short story of the same name, which follows a sports journalist whose life and career is changed after a pitcher is brought up from the minor leagues.
—Zara Irshad, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for short story
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026
Founded in 2021 by former Texas Ballet Theater company member Diana Crowder, Pegasus Contemporary Ballet had a breakthrough performance last fall with Crowder’s captivating adaptation of The Martian author Andy Weir’s short story The Egg.
—Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026
Sultan’s latest posthumous collection shifts the focus to the artist’s mostly unpublished writings, which include his musings on teaching and art, unfinished short stories, dream logs, and essays.
—Vanity Fair, 26 Mar. 2026
The film will be adapted from Pulitzer Prize finalist Dave Eggers’ short story of the same name, which follows a sports journalist whose life and career is changed after a pitcher is brought up from the minor leagues.
—Zara Irshad, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
Noun
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His plays — rife with exploration of deep humanity and emotion — provide not just a framework for hanging many different worlds upon his words, but also the kind of complex characters and twisted tales that actors and filmmakers crave, whether tragedy, romance or comedy.—
Katie Walsh,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The affable comedian and improv star is known for a self-deprecating brand of humor that leans into storytelling, audience interaction and behind-the-scenes tales from the long-running hit show.—
Travis Pinson,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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James Ashcroft wrote and directed the film, which was adapted from Elizabeth Engstrom’s 1980s novella of the same name.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
7 Apr. 2026
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Adapted from Algernon Blackwood’s supernatural novella, The Man Whom the Trees Loved is a ghostly tale of the inexplicable horrors of nature.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Many of the stories in the book are tragic Icarus narratives, featuring acts of rebellion that succeed in one brief ecstatic burst, and then resoundingly fail.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
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But Harris' campaign is leaning into a different narrative.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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