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
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While nonlinear optical frequency conversion is one of the most effective methods, progress has been constrained by the scarcity of suitable crystals. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026 Chari developed a finite element method (FEM) for analyzing nonlinear electromagnetic fields—which is crucial for the design of electric machines. IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026 In other words, human review should be required whenever exclusions cluster around nonlinear experiences, gaps or unconventional career paths. Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 The comparatively uptight Pari (Mahshad Bahraminejad) mounts nonlinear plays that depict the intrusion of political anxiety on everyday Iranian spaces. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nonlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlinear. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

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