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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Recent Examples of story line
But their camaraderie takes a hit when Dee starts lusting after Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Janine’s fellow teacher—and, after a lengthy will-they-won’t-they storyline, also her boyfriend.
—
Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2025
Again and again, his characters interrupt otherwise interesting storylines to emphasize that society couldn’t possibly function with less oil and gas (despite mountains of evidence to the contrary).
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
These are the storylines to keep in mind when the numbers come in and the earnings call chatter unfurls.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025
Here are a few storylines to watch in local media for 2025:
Programming ups and downs
Unfortunately, the year already claimed its first local news program.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for story line 
Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2025
Again and again, his characters interrupt otherwise interesting storylines to emphasize that society couldn’t possibly function with less oil and gas (despite mountains of evidence to the contrary).
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
These are the storylines to keep in mind when the numbers come in and the earnings call chatter unfurls.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025
Here are a few storylines to watch in local media for 2025:
Programming ups and downs
Unfortunately, the year already claimed its first local news program.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for story line
Recent Examples of Synonyms for story line
Noun
-
This story has been updated with additional information, context, and statements.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The military prosecutor alleges that Besigye withheld intelligence about a plot to destabilize Uganda and attempted to purchase weapons from foreign sources in Geneva, Athens and Nairobi.—
John Mac Ghlionn,
Newsweek,
14 Jan. 2025
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This article contains spoilers from Squid Game Season 1 that impact the plot of Season 2.—
Sara Merican,
Deadline,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In July, the high court issued a landmark ruling finding that former presidents cannot face charges for official acts, but were not immune from prosecution for unofficial actions.—
Robert Legare,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2025
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One soon tires of self-justification and begins to search for a glimpse of the political motivations underlying Johnson’s actions in office.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
14 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near story line
Cite this Entry
“Story line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/story%20line. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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