Definition of novellanext
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

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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 novella Based on the first novella in Martha Wells’ book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi thriller/comedy about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients, played by Skarsgård. Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 There’s a theory in the novella that Helaena is pushed from the window and Mysaria is a suspect. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 An adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novella The Body, Stand by Me represented Reiner’s first foray into dramatic filmmaking. Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 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 See All Example Sentences for novella
Recent Examples of Synonyms for novella
Noun
  • Set in 1964 and based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a young journalist who tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in New York and befriends the suspect’s charming wife.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Like James himself, the men are clever and bookish, writing letters or diaries, reading voraciously, and imagining themselves into tales of romance and Biblical comeuppance.
    Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.
    Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Novella.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/novella. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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