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
Each chapter covers a single year, shifting between characters and story lines in a narrative as sprawling and multifaceted as the city itself.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 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
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 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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This show has always been a part of our love story.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
11 Nov. 2025
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The Bee’s Darrell Smith contributed to this story.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The show leans into this offensive, problematic plot device without any self-awareness.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
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One with more context, a plot, character development.—
Amber McBride,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Within 90 days, the county has to draft an action plan for implementing the program.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Her artwork often carries a strong political message, including criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and reflections on other crises in the Middle East.—
Dan Gooding,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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