nonlinear

adjective

non·​lin·​e·​ar ˌnän-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce nonlinear (audio)
: not linear
nonlinear thinking
a nonlinear narrative
… I was already interested in the nonlinear manner in which ideas and fashions travel through our culture …Lyall Watson
nonlinearity noun
plural nonlinearities
nonlinearly adverb

Examples of nonlinear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
What makes Long Story Short so refreshing is its circular and nonlinear storytelling that sets it apart. Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 In 1999, Stamp starred in director Steven Soderbergh’s nonlinear revenge film The Limey. Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2025 The nonlinear structure also serves a more important purpose. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025 These results inform the behavior of a second algorithm called a nonlinear model predictive controller, which sets a corresponding motor pattern to the robot’s locomotion. IEEE Spectrum, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonlinear

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonlinear was in 1884

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlinear. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!