Definition of storynext
1
as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel he's a talented writer, but his quirky stories will never find a wide readership

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2
as in anecdote
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally Grandpa is always telling stories about what it was like growing up on a farm

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3
4
5
as in whisper
a rumor or report of a personal or sensational nature stories going around that the old man had died with thousands of dollars hidden under his mattress

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6
7
as in plot
the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work the story proceeds at a pace that many readers will find a bit too leisurely

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8
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances management is trying to figure out what the story is with the accident down in the warehouse

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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 story Clancy then ingested prescription medication, slashed her wrists and neck with a knife, and apparently threw herself head first out of a second-story window, resulting in permanent paralysis from the sternum down. Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 The Los Angeles Daily News football wrap includes local and regional scores, game stories and photo galleries from the games Thursday and Friday in Week 0. Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026 This comes even as Walter finds himself at the center of perhaps the biggest story in sports. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 Each program explores specific themes by weaving a variety of stories, poems, and sometimes music together. Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story
Noun
  • But the tale is even more poignant now, because as part of the team’s offensive transformation, fueled by the hiring of former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, the Vikings are handing Bredeson a hefty role.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • No details on injuries or fatalities were included in the post, which asked community members for video footage, photographs or any information related to the shooting.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lanterns wastes little time explaining this backstory ad nauseam and instead creates an immediately inviting dynamic between him and Hal, who comes to him demanding information on Manhunters.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rampage Jackson, who is on commentary for the event, pointed out that Wheels will likely need surgery.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Thus, Saturday’s broadcast went without traditional play-by-play commentary.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Moves for Anan Khalaili and Zavier Gozo are being finalised, and with both able to play right wing-back, there are whispers Daniel Munoz may be sold.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • That is, the ability to provide the benefits of modern speech interfaces without the need for users to speak audibly, even at a whisper.
    Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Further in lies a kitchen with parquet flooring, an Esmeralda marble island, and contrasting brass finishes.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2026
  • And while the public may understand a leader’s deception for security reasons, there are many other situations in which people may not forgive a lie.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their large blended family will be a big plot point, as will Earle’s biological mother Alisa’s battle with breast cancer.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • On July 9, the contractors sued the city for allegedly refusing to settle a construction dispute as a plot to subject the contractors to severe financial penalties from their lenders.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Paramount Skydance representatives are expected to meet on Monday with the California Attorney General’s office to discuss a potential settlement of the states’ antitrust case, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Mark Fowler, executive director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, said a similar situation occurred five to 10 years ago.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nors is the author of the story collections Wild Swims and Karate Chop; four previous novels, including Mirror, Shoulder, Signal, a finalist for the Man Booker International Prize; and two novellas, collected in So Much for That Winter.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Based on the first novella in Martha Wells’ book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients, played by Skarsgård.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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