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
Sakurai premiered his new trailer at CinemaCon, with fresh footage that showed plenty of epic kicks, punches and cool moves – as well as a sense of humor – but also showcased the film's emotional story line.
—
James Powel, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
The series’ impact goes beyond industry acclaim with a storyline that tackles the dangers of social media and online misogyny.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With more consumer watching scripted dramas and other series at times of their own choosing, sports – with dramatic storylines that expire the minute a game or match ends – have become the one sure thing left in media for much fo Madison Avenue.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
On the iconic teen drama, the duo starred as Kelly Taylor and Dylan McKay, whose on-again, off-again relationship became one of the series' primary story lines.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
James Powel, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
The series’ impact goes beyond industry acclaim with a storyline that tackles the dangers of social media and online misogyny.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026
With more consumer watching scripted dramas and other series at times of their own choosing, sports – with dramatic storylines that expire the minute a game or match ends – have become the one sure thing left in media for much fo Madison Avenue.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Apr. 2026
On the iconic teen drama, the duo starred as Kelly Taylor and Dylan McKay, whose on-again, off-again relationship became one of the series' primary story lines.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
-
Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their murderous plot is foiled when two escaped prisoners and a guard crash the weekend.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
25 Apr. 2026
-
There’s reportedly some filming in Paris, but most of the plot is allegedly set in the resorts.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Elliot Anderson tops United’s list for midfield due to his all-action style, but Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is believed to want as much as £125m for him.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Slow it down, decide what actually needs action, and leave the rest.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
