yarn

noun

ˈyärn How to pronounce yarn (audio)
Definition of yarnnext
1
as in tale
a brief account of something interesting that happened especially to one personally Grandpa likes to tell yarns about when he was young

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in story
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel a ripping yarn about space travel and alien monsters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 yarn Notably, Italian fashion yarn manufacturers also play a pivotal role in fashion trends. — Footwear News, 2 July 2026 And yet, this yarn about determined Rebels who lay it all on the line to fight back against the Empire has its own story contours, narrative purpose, and remarkable characters. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026 But perhaps not — his tale is inevitably something to wonder at, evidence of humans’ capacity to spin a yarn that flatters our egos and urge to understand our spiritual selves, and to buy into what’s spun. — Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Heigl said she's worked to cater the home to her hobbies throughout the years, including an art studio located in a standalone building on the property, as well as putting her extensive yarn collection on display in their home theater. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for yarn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for yarn
  1. tale
  2. story
  3. novella
  4. narrative
Noun
  • The agonizing legal circus surrounding Sumner Redstone’s final years at Paramount/Viacom is a sobering cautionary tale.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 July 2026
  • The past few summers have seen nightmare tales from heatwaves in Europe — the continent with the fastest-rising temperatures under global warming.
    — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of tale
Noun
  • This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 July 2026
  • Gil was trapped beneath more than 100 tons of rubble after the partial collapse of the Galerias Playa Grande commercial center, which includes buildings nine and four stories tall.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of story
Noun
  • The whole gang is back, ready to play their parts in this never-ending novella.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Based on a Stephen King novella, the period prison drama became a cult favorite thanks to video rentals and cable reruns.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of novella
Noun
  • The against-all-odds survival narrative stunned even veteran first responders.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Warren Buffett maintains his faith in America's resilience and innovation, while Elon Musk highlights technology's role in shaping national narratives.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of narrative

Browse Nearby Words

yardsticks
yarn
yarns
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yarn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/yarn. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on yarn

Nglish: Translation of yarn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yarn

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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