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
-
Upstairs is meticulously staged as an Airbnb retreat that comes with modern amenities, Old West charm and quaint stories about ghosts.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
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But beneath the surface, Life Time Group Holdings and Planet Fitness told very different stories about the American consumer.—
Brandon Gomez,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Israeli leaders may be well protected from Iranian nationalist plots.—
Robert A. Pape In The Los Angeles Times,
Arkansas Online,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The bulletin warned that terror plots weren’t the only concern.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Although the usual suspects fell in line, some Republicans are voicing anti-war sentiments, railing against his actions in Iran and voicing concern about what is next.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Extravagant parties, travel accommodations Meanwhile, several Goliath investors have already sued, seeking to win back some money, and attorneys said this week more court actions are likely.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20lines. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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