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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of story line
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
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
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
Even the nation’s paper of record, the highly respected New York Times, soon jumped on this story line.
—Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Intelligent, currently topical, great cast, gripping story line, terminated at a crisis point.
—Rich Heldenfels, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
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For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Paxton told stories about running for office for the first time and his 2023 impeachment.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Dubbed Crest Nine, the project has turned a steep hillside plot into a luxury health destination.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Second, many Iran hawks seriously underestimated the risks and costs of opposing Tehran’s drive for regional hegemony through military action.—
Jamie McIntyre,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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With years of scrutiny but little action, some advocates say the results signal the coming of a new era.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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