as in tale
a work with imaginary characters and events that is shorter and usually less complex than a novel
pressed for time, many English teachers have their students read the one novella among the novelist's works
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 novella
The novella takes place over Christmas night, contained to the equivalent of a one-act play in the character Marie’s bleak apartment.
—
Diana Arterian
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
It’s built backward, as is the Stephen King novella on which it’s based.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The fantastical film, a reunion for Gillan, hails from director Mike Flanagan and is based on the Stephen King novella of the same name.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2025
Neon’s The Life Of Chuck, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of the Stephen King novella, saw $2.14 million in a major week 2 expansion to 1,072 screens.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for novella
Diana Arterian
june 20, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025
It’s built backward, as is the Stephen King novella on which it’s based.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
The fantastical film, a reunion for Gillan, hails from director Mike Flanagan and is based on the Stephen King novella of the same name.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2025
Neon’s The Life Of Chuck, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of the Stephen King novella, saw $2.14 million in a major week 2 expansion to 1,072 screens.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for novella
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novella
Noun
-
At least for now, the Saks story is no longer a tale about financing.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
7 July 2025
-
Sula by Toni Morrison Toni Morrison’s suite of stunning historical novels includes Beloved, A Mercy, and this 1973 tale of a friendship between Sula Peace and Nel Wright.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
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.—
Nicholas Rice,
People.com,
5 July 2025
-
Douglas also shared some stories from Cuckoo’s Nest, including ones about Nicholson.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Novella.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novella. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share