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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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
But the Lightning responded with four straight goals, including one just 33 seconds after Toffoli scored, as winger Nikita Kucherov pounced on a turnover by defenseman Sam Dickinson and fed Anthony Cirelli, who found Brandon Hagel with a diagonal seam pass for a tap-in. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026 The blue diagonal stripes visible in the satellite image are of particular interest. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026
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
  • An oblique injury shortly before spring training last year, followed by a reaggravation, ultimately limited Assad to just eight big-league appearances (seven starts).
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Outfielder Kyle Stowers, who became an All-Star and extension candidate, missed the final six weeks of the season with an oblique strain.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The ski slope was abandoned at some point after the 1950s, but Neutaconkanut continues to be a popular yet highly dangerous destination for sledding.
    Antonia Noori Farzan, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Although the designer has never been on skis, that didn’t stop him from basing his fall collection on fashions near the slopes.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As part of his new collection for the brand, Arnold unveiled a new shape—a slightly sloping, almost smile-like pleat that’s simultaneously nonchalant and fully sophisticated.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Their test setup involved a ramp containing sand to simulate sloping dunes on Mars.
    Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Babcock shows no signs, or inclination, of slowing.
    Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The simulations also show that Chrysalis would have perturbed Iapetus's orbit, leading to its high inclination.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There was treadmill work, the running deck set at steep inclines, the speed gradually increasing.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The world outside Silo residents have little idea what's outside, because their video feed shows nothing but scrub, dead trees, and the corpses of deceased cleaners — everything else is obscured by the incline strategically placed around the entrance to the bunker.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The sloped, landscaped half-acre lot offers a terrace and a two-car garage.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 30 Jan. 2026
  • This can prevent sloped roofs from shedding snow properly and cause snow to accumulate on flat or low-slope roofs, FEMA said.
    Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagonal. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

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