as in direct
free from irregularities or digressions in course
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 linear
But Mahomes is learning now, like all the greats do, success and growth are not always linear.
—
Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Comcast announced about a year ago plans to separate declining linear cable assets from its core broadband business and the rest of NBCUniversal.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on pin-base compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent lamps are set to begin in 2027.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
As in many of Marshall’s finest paintings, linear time is disrupted, disjointed, out of whack.
—James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.—
-
But just like the Qatar embargo almost a decade ago, those rules seem to slacken when officials make direct accusations against fellow Gulf Cooperation Council members.—
Adjective
-
The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.—
-
Bryant held a 47-38 advantage after Camarion Bead's three-point play with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, but Jonesboro charged back with six straight points to cut the gap to three.—
Adjective
-
In one of the most deal-ridden and far too often contrived places on the globe, Steny was straightforward, smart, wise, direct, honest on the real odds about anything and everything, and blessed with a sense of humor that, if saintly in purpose, was devilishly clever in delivery.—
-
The route is straightforward — but only for those who plan their travel through the independent ferry system in advance.—
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share