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
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Recent Examples of story line
Because the storyline itself is so compelling, there is no need for additional signifiers to unpack Max’s psyche or to push the narrative forward.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026
Here's everything to know about how every major character's story line wrapped.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Because the casting and story lines that developed gave us people to root for and against—something every great Survivor season needs.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Here are four Hurricanes story lines to follow over the course of the draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026
Here's everything to know about how every major character's story line wrapped.
—Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Because the casting and story lines that developed gave us people to root for and against—something every great Survivor season needs.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Here are four Hurricanes story lines to follow over the course of the draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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Balogun's big night marked a historic moment in one of the more fascinating American soccer stories in USMNT history.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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This story has been updated with new information and to add video.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Noun
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The latter show features bona fide movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Elle Fanning, plus a plot — single mom starts an OnlyFans to make ends meet — that fits right in with the 21st-century trend of comedies that play like dramas.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
13 June 2026
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Suffice to say there is a pronounced vibe shift toward the mystical as the plot threads converge.—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Campbell also believes that Sorsby's behavior doesn't rise to the level that would justify such action anyway, telling Dakich that schools have let players with much worse transgressions play.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
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When Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two quick fouls, that forced backup big man Mitchell Robinson into action.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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