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 At the higher levels of college football, stories such as Skokna’s are becoming more and more rare. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 This was our first story completely dependent on story. John Hopewell, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026 TopicsVogue Parties Get the latest fashion stories, style, and tips, handpicked for you, everyday. Jordan Goldberg, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story
Noun
  • Some readers might expect an indictment of fan fiction and celebrity culture; Yi swerves, though, and creates a more searching and subversive tale of love, connection, and art.
    Erin Somers, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In pitting his offspring against each other in a battle for the family empire Rupert Murdoch became part of a tale as old as time… A tale well told in Gabe Sherman’s Bonfire of the Murdochs.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The editor of the Pine Bluff Commercial earned second place for commentary in a contest organized by America's Newspapers for his coverage of the failings of a city tax initiative that promised civic and economic restoration.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Dig deep and sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free Survivor Weekly newsletter to have all the latest news, interviews, and commentary sent right to your inbox.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Every offseason, the whispers of PGA Tour stars defecting to LIV Golf swirl like clockwork.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
  • This could trigger everything from whispers and misunderstandings to grudges that resurface in the group chat.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Whenever the president floated some bizarre policy idea, issued a new threat, or told a brazen lie about the state of the economy, Hassett would be one of the first people on cable news justifying it.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Our entire relationship was built on a lie.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The two plots of land up for rezoning are near Anglin Circle and Enon Avenue.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
  • People are also pointing out a few plot points that aren’t resolved.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Morant situation unfolded after the team's 117-112 loss to the Lakers, during which some perceived that the Grizzlies star displayed a lack of effort.
    Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Running back Breece Hall, who reportedly requested a trade himself before the deadline, and edge rusher Jermaine Johnson both took to X to share their thoughts on the situation.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • And since Freida McFadden’s book series that the movie is based on has three installments (plus one novella), this may not be the end.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The Art of Conjuring is the first novella to be released by the press.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Currently, there is no information on the containment of the fire and the cause of it is still undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • This story has been updated with additional information.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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