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 And Salinger has written short stories about his best friends with love, brilliance and 20-20 vision. Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026 Take a common homework task, such as writing a paragraph explaining the theme of a short story. Brett Dejager, The Conversation, 10 July 2026 Yates brought out three more novels in the 1980s, along with another book of short stories, Liars in Love (1981). Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026 Build me a memorable association or short story that links their name to these details. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
Noun
  • In her 2018 novel, Miller reimagines the witch’s tale as one of a woman’s becoming.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Each week, writer and producer Steve Cubine, who actually lives near the Hollywood Sign, and actress/writer Nan McNamara explore, discuss, and dissect the magical, mysterious, amusing, and sometimes bizarre tales of Old Hollywood.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • In the comics and his origin story movie, Johnny sells his soul to the devil Mephisto in order to cure his father’s cancer.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Homeowners at The Club at Brickell Bay, a 43-story condo that’s a popular Airbnb destination, had scheduled a visit from city code compliance inspectors who planned to gather evidence of hazardous building code and short-term rental violations.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • Check out the Cannery Row Monument, then read John Steinbeck’s novella named after the waterfront street.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
  • Fans of the graphic novel series may notice the storyline is not exactly what’s in the 2015 novella — a choice that made sense for their screen incarnations, says Oseman.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • The prevailing narrative assumed a scarcity of intelligence and a surplus of workers.
    Don Muir, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Palestinian representatives were quick to push back on that narrative.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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