as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
there is no bright-line rule governing the issue
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Recent Examples of bright-line
Crafting bright-line tests that separate commodities from securities, or creating a new category, will be legally complex.
—
Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
There is no bright-line definition for hardship—it’s determined by the employer under the terms of the retirement plan and based on facts and circumstances.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
None of these cases, for instance, is likely to result in the full restoration of the bright-line rules established with the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, rules based in part on the lessons of our battles against authoritarian monarchy in the seventeenth century.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Baron’s argument is, at first, the least problematic; the killing of his cousin is a bright-line injustice.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024
And there’s one bright-line issue that many Northern Virginia Democrats said is fundamental to them: full Virginia funding for the Metro transit system.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024
The new draft guidelines are not bright-line laws or regulations, and US antitrust enforcement will continue to reflect longstanding legal precedents, senior administration officials emphasized Tuesday in a call with reporters.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 19 July 2023
Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
There is no bright-line definition for hardship—it’s determined by the employer under the terms of the retirement plan and based on facts and circumstances.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
None of these cases, for instance, is likely to result in the full restoration of the bright-line rules established with the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, rules based in part on the lessons of our battles against authoritarian monarchy in the seventeenth century.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Baron’s argument is, at first, the least problematic; the killing of his cousin is a bright-line injustice.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024
And there’s one bright-line issue that many Northern Virginia Democrats said is fundamental to them: full Virginia funding for the Metro transit system.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024
The new draft guidelines are not bright-line laws or regulations, and US antitrust enforcement will continue to reflect longstanding legal precedents, senior administration officials emphasized Tuesday in a call with reporters.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 19 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright-line
Adjective
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One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 Nov. 2025
-
There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Kerrygold Salted Butter Sticks The creamy texture of Kerrygold Butter is unmistakable—and a delicious addition to a holiday meal or dessert.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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Two cars named Above and Beyond with subtle but unmistakable nautical references—including the port and starboard colors on a boat’s lights, along with design motifs of several famous superyachts.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Prince Harry apologized for his apparent support of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 World Series.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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Watson, in an apparent spur-of-the-moment remark, announced that the project would devote 3 to 5 percent of its budget to the study of bioethics.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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However, Mamdani is still a clear frontrunner heading into Election Day, and maintained a two-digit lead in other polls taken just days earlier.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The assertions came despite a lack of clear scientific evidence, and Kenvue has called them simply false.—
NPR,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a timelessness to these spaces, but the feelings the images evoke are more nuanced and uneasy than straightforward nostalgia.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
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The process to reimagine the Wild West in the 21st Century wasn’t always straightforward, Dow said.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But Bode's pointed delivery, and the reaction of the crowd, suggested that the comment carried an evident double meaning in the current political climate.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
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This is evident in their signature programs, such as those that recognize excellence among teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers, as well as initiatives that bring the community together to enjoy great local restaurants on the firm’s tab.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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The Maserati GranTurismo Folgore's exterior is distinct and aggressive.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
2 Nov. 2025
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Gold sought to make a similar point with Fuji – an album named for a distinct genre from Nigeria’s Yourba ethnic group that critics like Zikoko’s Tomide Marv have since claimed is largely absent from its tracklist.—
Mankaprr Conteh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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With 50 stores in mainland China, Longchamp has plans to grow its retail network steadily over the next few years, with three to four new ones opening annually and a focus on Shanghai and the broader Yangtze Delta region.—
Denni Hu,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
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Parker also faces criminal charges As school shootings continue to plague US campuses, this civil trial could serve as a roadmap for the upcoming criminal case against Parker, which itself could set a broader precedent.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bright-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright-line. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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