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
  • The smart-mattress category Eight Sleep wants to escape just delivered a cautionary tale.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Betty Smith’s 1943 classic is a coming-of-age tale about a second-generation Irish-American girl named Francie who lives in Williamsburg with her family.
    Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 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
  • And in recent weeks, concerns about that history — including accusations of nonpayment and unlicensed screenings at the Kingsway — have traveled west through something of an industry whisper network, increasingly spilling into public view.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Higher still The whisper numbers are higher still, with analysts and traders thinking third-quarter sales guidance could reach $107 billion to $108 billion, and even as high as $110 billion.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The airline unveiled new business-class seats for its Airbus A321XLR fleet, including lie-flat beds and privacy doors.
    Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The film follows an 11-year-old boy who exploits his brother’s tragic death to fight his father and his community, until his lies expose the hypocrisy and corruption beneath a seemingly moral society.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • He is accused of orchestrating the plot to fly hijacked passenger jetliners into the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon.
    Steve Gorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Part of the deal hinges on a future road connection that could make use of the plot immediately behind the house.
    Noah Daly August 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Samuels’ run, however, was the spark that lit the fuse after the Caravan was denied on a fourth-and-short situation on its opening possession.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Fed policy uncertainty, the Middle East situation, and an earnings season burdened with high expectations could all act as catalysts for fresh turbulence.
    , CNBC, 28 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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