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
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
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
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
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
-
Like mentioned previously, the staff felt incredibly in touch with the guests of the 50-story hotel, creating a personalized experience that is a feat for the size of the hotel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The full text for this story was provided via a press release from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But last year’s real-life conclave was just as dramatic, with plenty of plot twists, political battles among cardinals and a surprise outcome.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Against that real history, the building’s ghost stories feel more like colorful footnotes than the main plot.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The sinking comes amid rising tensions in the region as air strikes and military actions continue between Iran, Israel, and allied forces.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The ritual honors service members killed in action.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
