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
Yet to make the shows known to both the press and the public, linear TV is still a key aspect of our promotion.
—
Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Cheat a non-linear backyard property line by using vertical hedges instead, or cheat an awkward fence by planting in front of it, like this space from Michelle Boudreau Design.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Radial Entertainment has secured exclusive distribution rights to the movie including theatrical, home entertainment (digital, video-on-demand, broadcast, linear streaming, and physical media), and ancillary rights for cross-platform releases.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Aubrey’s path to NFL stardom has not been linear.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026
Cheat a non-linear backyard property line by using vertical hedges instead, or cheat an awkward fence by planting in front of it, like this space from Michelle Boudreau Design.
—Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026
Radial Entertainment has secured exclusive distribution rights to the movie including theatrical, home entertainment (digital, video-on-demand, broadcast, linear streaming, and physical media), and ancillary rights for cross-platform releases.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Aubrey’s path to NFL stardom has not been linear.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
Earlier, the Moon in Libra opposes direct Mercury in Aries, so thoughts may move faster than your emotional response, making conversations feel slightly off or rushed.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
McKenna, working this time without the safety net of direct source material, has composed a shiny soap-bubble satire of a doom-laden cultural and journalistic landscape.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Detroit won three straight games – Game 5 at home, Game 6 in Orlando and Game 7 back in Detroit – and the collapse became part of franchise lore.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
And once again, Suzuki’s top line went scoreless five-on-five for a fourth straight game.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But Kinahan’s capture may have a more straightforward explanation.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The appeal is pretty straightforward.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
