as in stories
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 lines
Anyway, there’s no shortage of story lines to follow over the next two weeks.
—
The Editors, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
The frenzy is being driven by a large local alumni base and riveting story lines like Indiana’s Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, returning home to play in South Florida, where his Cuban heritage has been engaging new audiences.
—Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
That battle in the trenches stands among the most intriguing story lines of the first-round playoff game.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
The script includes a sprawling cast of characters with disparate story lines that all converge on a fictional Western settlement.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
The Editors, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
The frenzy is being driven by a large local alumni base and riveting story lines like Indiana’s Heisman trophy-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, returning home to play in South Florida, where his Cuban heritage has been engaging new audiences.
—Anna J. Kaiser, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2026
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
That battle in the trenches stands among the most intriguing story lines of the first-round playoff game.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
The dizzying pace and overlapping story lines add to the show’s real-time immersiveness.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025
But what's really cool is how the movie brings those story lines together in a narrative filled with intriguing twists, gnarly kills, heroic sacrifices and a slew of nifty new Predator designs.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
The script includes a sprawling cast of characters with disparate story lines that all converge on a fictional Western settlement.
—Peter Kiefer, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story lines
Noun
-
Some of the data tells stories of its own.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Feb. 2026
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Testimony is also likely to include emotional stories from those who were in the school that day.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That is, the hundreds of news clippings that substantiate her plots.—
Jon Wertheim,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
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Abu Assi was believed to have taken part in holding deceased hostages in captivity while directing terrorist plots against IDF troops.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Laporta’s last two actions as president before the election process were to renew Fermin’s contract until 2031 and abandon the European Super League project.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Jackson County alerted local schools to continue monitoring the issue, but law enforcement did not have probable cause to arrest or take other actions, according to the statement.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20lines. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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