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

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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 While the quarterback position will be worth monitoring, the run game was the biggest story line surrounding FIU’s offensive performance. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026 The series also features a brief story line involving Manchester, a neighbor of the Borden family, portrayed by Linda Reiter. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 The new season will feature a story line involving the fictitious Cincinnati Times, which was filmed in the offices of the Los Angeles Times. — Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 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 See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
  • After the boutique’s statement, Clarkson doubled down on her claims on her Instagram stories with photos featuring a price tag on the bird that contradicted the shop’s first statement.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Some economists, including researchers at the Minneapolis Fed, argue the data don’t tell such a clean story.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Despite the cookie-cutter nature of the main plot elements, a few star writers emerged who were able to keep readers guessing.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In the days before Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was gunned down inside his second-floor bedroom, tensions were mounting in South Florida among the men involved in the plot to overthrow him.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rather than undertaking the difficult but just and moral work of reform of the nation's immigration laws, Vance would destroy and expel their families with a smile, claiming that such actions will save you money.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
  • That willingness to take risks extended to campaigning for Jessie and Buzz to kiss amid a perilous action sequence.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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