as in story
the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work
the story line is clumsily interrupted several times to provide some much-needed background information
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 line
Through interviews with almost 30 immigrants navigating the H-1B system, the team learned of the real impact of policy changes and incorporated them into game story lines.
—
Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
-
This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and donors in South Florida’s Jewish and Muslim communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza and the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The filmmaker ultimately sees it as a story about unconditional love.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Dubbed Crest Nine, the project has turned a steep hillside plot into a luxury health destination.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Towns finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and seven turnovers on 8-of-12 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action on Wednesday.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
February 19 – March 20 Certain feelings presently require action to be fully realized.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
