short story

noun

Definition of short storynext
as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel her very first short story was accepted for publication in a local journal

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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 short story So begins this week’s short story, about a woman who can’t stop imagining her dad having sex with a wild mustang. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026 The film, a touching adaptation of an 1852 Turgenev short story of the same name, features an unconventional cast directed by a seasoned documentarian. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026 Atlanta author Lydia Mathis’ literary debut features candid, revealing short stories. — Suzanne Van Atten, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Bowing at least year’s Toronto, a home-run from Isabel Coixet, Adapting a short story collection by Italy’s Michela Murgia, who died of cancer at 51. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
  1. tale
  2. story
  3. novella
  4. narrative
Noun
  • The drama mixes battlefield action with a tale of conflicted allegiances and the dangers of undercover work in hostile territory.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Flanagan is the prolific horror writer-director who has tackled several Stephen King tales (Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep, Carrie) and delivered several limited series hits for Netflix (Midnight Mass, The Fall of the House of Usher).
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • While the episodic stories reflect the never-ending parade of tourists and partygoers, the show also provides Dennis and Rosa with long-term arcs.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Suffice it to say the mystery bullets that landed in Rate Field’s bleachers in 2023 and wounded two women definitely aren’t relevant to this feel-good story but are worth mentioning to remind us how much the Sox narrative has changed.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • As for the sitting president, he’s named just once, in the opening line of the titular novella.
    — Ryan Chapman, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The company is working on a feature adaptation of Pulitzer Prize finalist Torrey Peters’ novella Stag Dance and a feature romantic comedy from Carly Usdin and Brittani Nichols featuring WNBA players Gabby Williams, Theresa Plaisance, and Syd Colson.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of novella
Noun
  • But anyone who’s yet to see the earlier series need not fret; while Seven Havens makes reference especially to Korra, any crucial details are reestablished within a narrative that’s set nearly two centuries later and stands largely on its own.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The narratives surrounding the Chicago White Sox are familiar to anyone who has paid any attention during the regular season.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of narrative

Browse Nearby Words

short stories
short story
short subject
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Cite this Entry

“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on short story

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about short story

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