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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The new approach moves beyond linear models by using Gaussian process regression, a technique capable of mapping complex nonlinear relationships with limited data. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Jan. 2026 The project sat in relative limbo until 2024 as prospective producers balked at the dark subject matter and nonlinear storytelling, deeming the movie unmarketable. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 But if the manufacturing challenges facing hollow-core lines can be overcome, both higher capacities and cleaner signals (with fewer of glass’s nonlinear distortions) could be part of fiber’s future. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2025 Loureiro’s past work spanned theory and computational modeling of nonlinear plasma dynamics, where his group used analytical tools and state-of-the art simulations to study magnetic reconnection, turbulence and related instabilities. Alexandra Koch , Greg Wehner , Molly Line, FOXNews.com, 16 Dec. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Nonlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlinear. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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