diagonal 1 of 2

Definition of diagonalnext
as in oblique
running in a slanting direction The diagonal design ran up the wall all the way from the lower left to the upper right-hand corner.

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diagonal

2 of 2

noun

as in slope
the degree to which something rises up from a position level with the horizon The ramp was set at a low diagonal to make it easier for wheelchairs.

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of diagonal
Adjective
Woven in a standard over-under pattern, or a twill pattern (which creates diagonal lines), flannel is breathable, soft and feels slightly fuzzy. Mary Grace Granados special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026 Swap symmetrical arched tips for diagonal swoop tips. Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
Slice tenderloins crosswise on the diagonal. Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025 France is often associated with having an 'empty' middle, a strip of vast land that traverses the country diagonally (the 'diagonale du vide', the empty diagonal), which is less populated than its mountains or coastlines and has fewer infrastructure and services. Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for diagonal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diagonal
Adjective
  • Darnold, who was blown out in his playoff debut last year with the Vikings — by the Rams, no less — played through an oblique injury and completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Fighting an oblique injury that limited him to only 17 pass attempts last week, the Seahawks will lean on Walker III in attempt to keep Stafford, Nacua and Davante Adams off the field.
    Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the slopes, winter musts include wildlife spotting in Grand Teton National Park, a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, and strolling downtown Jackson, known for its iconic antler arches.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 Jan. 2026
  • She was transported off the slope by helicopter.
    Zack Pierce, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Their test setup involved a ramp containing sand to simulate sloping dunes on Mars.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Up to us are judgment, inclination, desire, aversion — in short, whatever is our own doing.
    Massimo Pigliucci, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Trump’s inclinations to make every race about him could foul this for the GOP.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Our tester was also impressed by how quiet the machine was while increasing its incline.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
  • Lows were in the upper 40s, but temperatures will be on the incline throughout the day, topping out in the low 60s.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Each wing was connected to the main structure with long colonnades, hidden from street view by trees and sloped lawns.
    Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Inside, its sloped rooflines, expansive windows, and original stone fireplace made an immediate impression.
    Kristen Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagonal. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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