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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of story line
Although a major source of inspiration for its universe, badminton wasn’t the core for the storyline, but defeat.
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Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Might as well not be shy about the primary story line of this game.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
The script includes a sprawling cast of characters with disparate story lines that all converge on a fictional Western settlement.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
One of the biggest Media Day story lines surrounding the Miami Heat this upcoming season has to do with a player who won’t be available for the start of the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Annika Pham, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Might as well not be shy about the primary story line of this game.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
The script includes a sprawling cast of characters with disparate story lines that all converge on a fictional Western settlement.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
One of the biggest Media Day story lines surrounding the Miami Heat this upcoming season has to do with a player who won’t be available for the start of the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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This would provide 20 two-story units and eight one-story, one-bedroom units.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Beyond its seemingly cinematic plot, the robbery was a clear example of how thieves have started targeting cultural institutions not necessarily for their prized paintings, but for artifacts that can be dismantled, stripped or melted down for their expensive parts.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
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Surprises are part and parcel of a horror movie, but more as jump scares or scary reveals or whatever, not a merry jaunt around another plot thread.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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From textiles to retail spaces, understanding consumer behavior and demand—and transforming those insights into strategic commercial actions—is a vital element of successful design.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
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Local officials, including Newsom, condemned the President’s actions.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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