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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of story line
Sesame Street has also evolved over the years with new characters and story lines that reflect the changing times, including social-emotional learning and mental health.
—
Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the team has been the biggest story line for the underwhelming Bucks, who are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
No story line rivals that of Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick who will start in favor of the benched Tua Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Jan. 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the team has been the biggest story line for the underwhelming Bucks, who are 11th in the Eastern Conference.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
No story line rivals that of Ewers, a 2025 seventh-round pick who will start in favor of the benched Tua Tagovailoa.
—Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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Elsewhere, stories of economic gloom – from galloping inflation to restaurant closures and the knock-on impact of severe tax increases – describe the many ways in which the prolonged war in Ukraine is now hitting Russians hard in the pocket at home.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Investigators have since alleged the depth of the brazen plot extended to sending secret drone flights into North Korea to try to provoke a conflict with arch-rival Kim Jong Un and justify martial law.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Even if perimenopause feels like a bit of a plot twist, approaching the transition with kindness is key.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With the city facing multiple lawsuits over the billing debacle, Clark helped oversee a friendly class-action lawsuit against the city, the judge found.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Aztecs are also now 15-1 in Mountain West action.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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