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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By Kaneva’s reckoning, nonlinear prices will hit the global oil market by late May if nothing changes before then. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Apr. 2026 The nonlinear experience will feature show moments with each of the four monsters and a finale with a different ending every night. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026 Presented in somewhat nonlinear chronology, much of the play consists of two-hander scenes between Adam and individual characters, including his new love interest, the confident and flirtatious Alycia (Emma Fulmer). Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 The story of his death broke the show’s mold, unfolding in nonlinear fashion. Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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