story lines

Definition of story linesnext
plural of story line
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

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 lines 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 That’s particularly true when said creator has already birthed an entire cinematic universe whose characters and story lines can be milked long after Sheridan moseys along. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 30 Oct. 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 With high school football practices set to kick off Friday, there are always a slew of story lines to follow during the regular season. Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story lines
Noun
  • Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
    Data Skrive, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Below, Dyens and Miailhe speak to Deadline about the importance of unearthing human stories amid the tragedy of the World War II era.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The two plots of land up for rezoning are near Anglin Circle and Enon Avenue.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Many gardeners grow herbs in their garden plots, raised beds, or in containers.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In some cases, actions of the British armed forces have been described as unjustified.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Majumdar lavishes her characters with careful attention, and so the reader comes to regard their most troubling actions as justified, if not inevitable.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Story lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20lines. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!