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
Running Point has basketball, familial drama and romantic story lines — but off-screen, much of the cast is committed to their real-life partners.
—
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Here are four Hurricanes story lines to follow over the course of the draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
On the iconic teen drama, the duo starred as Kelly Taylor and Dylan McKay, whose on-again, off-again relationship became one of the series' primary story lines.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
While each episode has carefully plotted character arcs and story lines, the writing for Company Retreat extended far beyond what appears onscreen.
—Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
Through interviews with almost 30 immigrants navigating the H-1B system, the team learned of the real impact of policy changes and incorporated them into game story lines.
—Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 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
Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Here are four Hurricanes story lines to follow over the course of the draft.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
On the iconic teen drama, the duo starred as Kelly Taylor and Dylan McKay, whose on-again, off-again relationship became one of the series' primary story lines.
—Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Apr. 2026
While each episode has carefully plotted character arcs and story lines, the writing for Company Retreat extended far beyond what appears onscreen.
—Angelina Mazza, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026
Through interviews with almost 30 immigrants navigating the H-1B system, the team learned of the real impact of policy changes and incorporated them into game story lines.
—Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Mar. 2026
In a political thriller with intertwining story lines, the A-lister stars as a veteran CIA agent who uncovers an assassination plot in the Middle East.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 Mar. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story lines
Noun
-
Through their discussions, and the essays and stories that they were assigned to write each week, Heidi came to know her students’ pain.—
Nicholas Dawidoff,
New Yorker,
10 May 2026
-
Each day, they are filled with one-dimensional stories of beatings, stabbing and shootings — all sad accounts of a city in decline.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Double doors open onto an outdoor terrace and reveal a private plunge pool, a double daybed, and multiple seating areas, each ideally suited for enjoying a morning coffee or a late-afternoon glass of Corsican wine, overlooking the surrounding plots of lavender and olive trees.—
Rebekah Peppler,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
-
He was protected by a large security detail during his appearance, as recent reports claim that the Kremlin has tightened its monitoring of Putin amid fears of assassination attempts and possible coup plots.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
The group highlighted the swift and professional actions of the pilots and firefighter first responders, noting that their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading and ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
-
Take away the highlands and the suburbs and the big round table, and these are two shows that tell stories through the words and actions of real people.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20lines. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
