diagonal 1 of 2

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
Long diagonal balls in behind were extremely effective, with the two defenders caught between covering the centre and the flanks. Michael Cox, New York Times, 12 June 2025 Also, more could be added by converting some of the wider streets from parallel to diagonal parking. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025
Noun
Some run in the straight lines followed by a rook, some follow the diagonals of a bishop, and others hold off opponents like a pawn. Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025 But these bold diagonals lack the fundamental humanity of those which are accidentally off-kilter. Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for diagonal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diagonal
Adjective
  • Zack Steffen made his return to action after an oblique injury in mid-May took him off the field before a knee injury at U.S. Men’s National Team camp required surgery.
    Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • Luis Gil, last year’s AL Rookie of the Year, hasn’t pitched this season due to a right lat strain, and the Yankees are awaiting Ryan Yarbrough’s return from an oblique strain.
    Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The beach is wide enough to feel spacious even during high season, with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and a gentle slope into calm, swimmable waters.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 14 July 2025
  • What to Do on Bear Lake Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it’s also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to enter the water easily.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • At a June 5 press conference, one day after the General Assembly closed the regular 2024 session, the governor gave his strongest indication to date of an inclination to seek another four-year term with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025
  • At the Soul Train Awards in 1997, Da Brat arrived outfitted in a similarly referential look, but her look evoked tomboy inclinations.
    Julian Randall, Essence, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • From multiplatinum albums to new milestones on the charts, global honors to heartfelt philanthropy, RM (real name Kim Namjoon) shows how his service break continued his superstar incline.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The final result was that two eyewitnesses observed that Grant Solomon’s truck rolled over him on the incline, which verified everything that the police department had ascertained.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 8 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagonal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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