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 Now managed by the National Trust, the estate is open to the public, allowing visitors to step inside and experience firsthand the setting of one of literature’s most enduring love stories. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 These highlights were written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 31 May 2025 But beyond the big names and captivating rhythms, the album is an invitation to explore his story and connect with the cultural roots that have profoundly shaped his artistic vision. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 May 2025 Golden combines these elements with emotionally complex background stories and rich lore. Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story
Noun
  • The revelation of Izzy and Ferd’s son is sketchy; a suicide tale lacks a set-up or point; intriguing female bonds are underwritten; and all-too-familiar tropes associated with spousal violence weaken the work.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 June 2025
  • Ratnam, working from a story by Haasan, sets up a familiar but resonant tale of father and son.
    Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Career coaches advise applicants to tailor their résumés to highlight skills over chronology, emphasize volunteer or caregiving experience, and demonstrate a growth mindset.
    Christine Michel Carter, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • But diehard fans will still want to watch it at least once to fully complete the Predator chronology.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Both Louisiana singers luxuriate at the point where a whisper becomes a coo, and both have crafted gossamer pop with Swedish producers.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 June 2025
  • Here is what the judges had to say: Aromas of rich caramel and a whisper of spice.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • The sentiment speaks to what Urban Jürgensen has long understood, that the value of a timepiece lies as much in emotion as in engineering.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • For no other reason than being entranced by Putin's lies and flirtations.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The basic plot mirrors Kon Ichikawa’s brutal antiwar classic Fires on the Plain, in which Japanese soldiers are left to starve on the Philippines island of Leyte during the waning days of World War II, and Anderson is serious about political oppression and the power of dissent.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
  • No plot details have been revealed for Black Panther 3, but the legacy of T'Challa will live on.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The footage reveals production members scrambling to evacuate and control the flooding situation.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 June 2025
  • Heat’s Udonis Haslem says amid Kevin Durant speculation: ‘The situation in Miami will work’ ASK IRA: Is a Heat waiting game with Herro, Jovic extensions the prudent approach?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • The first novella couldn’t be stretched quite that far, so the story required some expansion.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 13 June 2025
  • The film is adapted from a novella written by Stephen King.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • In addition to UnitedHealth Group, the lawsuit named Chief Executive Andrew Witty and Chief Financial Officer John Rex as co-defendants, alleging they were directly involved in the dissemination of misleading information to investors during the affected period.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Anyone who was on or around the summit of Katahdin between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, or has any other information regarding Esther’s whereabouts, is asked to call Houlton State Police.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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