nonlinear
adjective
non·lin·e·ar
ˌnän-ˈli-nē-ər 
: 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
Lyall Watson
nonlinearly
adverb
Examples of nonlinear in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Professional can certainly be understood as a nonlinear narrative of an artist on the peripheries of music, navigating a world far from home with equal parts amusement and bemusement.
—Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
The series also represents proof that Wydra’s long, nonlinear journey was worth it.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 June 2026
Traditionally, stronger nonlinear effects have required progressively more powerful lasers.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
Although McLuhan often changed subjects abruptly and wrote in a nonlinear style in which the full meaning of his pronouncements emerged only through a broader reading of his work, his overall argument was clear.
—Brian A. Cogan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonlinear
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.
Levi Dayan, Pitchfork, 9 June 2026
The series also represents proof that Wydra’s long, nonlinear journey was worth it.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 June 2026
Traditionally, stronger nonlinear effects have required progressively more powerful lasers.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
Although McLuhan often changed subjects abruptly and wrote in a nonlinear style in which the full meaning of his pronouncements emerged only through a broader reading of his work, his overall argument was clear.
—Brian A. Cogan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nonlinear
Cite this Entry
“Nonlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlinear. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
