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
Back in June 2024, Luddington shared that one song by Swift helped her through her Grey's Anatomy domestic abuse storyline.
—
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
Although there are plenty of byes in the Fort Worth area, there are also tons of great storylines to keep an eye on this week:
Can Aledo extend historic district win streak?
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the biggest Media Day story lines surrounding the Miami Heat this upcoming season has to do with a player who won’t be available for the start of the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
Although there are plenty of byes in the Fort Worth area, there are also tons of great storylines to keep an eye on this week:
Can Aledo extend historic district win streak?
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025
One of the biggest Media Day story lines surrounding the Miami Heat this upcoming season has to do with a player who won’t be available for the start of the season.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
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,
14 Oct. 2025
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This is a developing story and will be updated.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Every time the plot hits the reset button, the tension flatlines.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
14 Oct. 2025
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Jones had asserted that the shootings were staged as part of a federal plot to confiscate Americans’ guns.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Citing financial difficulties and a new business action plan, the IDS reduced its print production last January to seven times per semester.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
14 Oct. 2025
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The Sandy Hook massacre, in which 26 people were murdered, including 20 children, generated new debate over gun violence legislation, but Congress took no action.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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