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
The frenzy is being driven by a large local alumni base and riveting story lines like Indiana’s Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, returning home to play in South Florida, where his Cuban heritage has been engaging new audiences.
—
Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
-
Ghazali lived in a single-story brick home in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights about 38 miles south of the synagogue.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Mar. 2026
-
That Mann himself had written stories on gay themes added to the piquancy of the encounter.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Don Abelardo Rodriguez, son of the Mexican president, spotted this plot of land from helicopter and turned it into a private home and eventually the region's first resort.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Officials acknowledged no verified intelligence of a specific plot.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Grammarly's parent company was hit with a class-action lawsuit on Thursday from one of the authors quoted as an expert in its tool.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Despite major changes this year to timing and logistics, SXSW will again spotlight comedy and action films that other festivals don’t show, as well as be a hotbed for discovery of new talent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
