Definition of story linenext
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 Based on this brief Anton shot and a couple of other small moments — like Paul Baker delivering breakfast to both Anton and Issa in the cold open — that story line isn’t over. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 These story lines add a sense of urgency and progress to a series that was a little too comfortable being amiably aimless. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026 Whenever next season begins (if there is a season), a Cannarella-Marsee center field battle should be one of the most fascinating story lines. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 While season 1 filmed in multiple countries to match its international story line, production relocated entirely to Texas for season 2 and has remained there ever since. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
  • Dunn shared a story about a bat crashing into his leg while entering an arena for a bass tournament weigh-in.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Success inside the ring is only one part of the Taylor story, though.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Even though the tides are slowly turning, many video games have formulaic plots that reinforce old-school gender and heteronormative roles, often featuring a hero saving a damsel in distress from a menacing villain.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Structurally, the plot tries to juggle two parallel threads, and both miss the mark.
    Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Disagreements over how far to go on AI safety legislation portend a rocky road ahead for bipartisan Senate talks on a bill that remains the most likely vehicle for action this year.
    Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • After all, Cunha has shown his ability through actions, not words, in recent months at Forest.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster