short story

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

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 short story Wicker, written and directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, is adapted from Ursula Wills-Jones’ short story The Wicker Husband. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 While James Bond was also partial to the odd negroni, and drank them in Fleming’s 1960 short story Risico. Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Fewer than half of all adults reported reading a book of any kind in 2022; only 38 percent read a novel or short story. Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026 In many classic short stories, the real action occurs in the silences. Niela Orr, Vulture, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for short story
Recent Examples of Synonyms for short story
Noun
  • No two tales of what happened to Maelor after his knight protector was shot dead agree, but the young boy was also slain on the bridge, perhaps torn apart by the mob who assailed him, arguing over what to do with the young prince.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • This time, though, there’s more heavy metal influence — more guitar, more drums, more church organ, more attitude — to complement Cathedral’s grim tale.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Davis has provided accounts of his role in Tupac’s murder a number of times, and his story has remained fairly consistent over the years.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • This collaboration represents a step in enabling filmmakers and creators to tell more immersive, emotionally rich stories with the highest global standards.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Written by Samy Burch (May December) based on Arthur Schnitzler’s 1890s novella.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The series currently encompasses nine sub-series arcs, standalone novels, novellas, English-language manga and graphic novels.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The comic was first published in the 1950s, but the emphasis on last-gasp winners and talismanic performances continued until the mid-1990s — with narratives that cascaded through English football culture in the decades in between.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • And yet, more often than not, modern-day biopic films are disappointments, inert movies that fall into the same narrative traps, leaving audiences cold.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Short story.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short%20story. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on short story

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster