diagonal 1 of 2

adjective

dī-ˈa-gə-nᵊl How to pronounce diagonal (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Cut on the Diagonal Of course, presentation matters; a diagonal cut helps to elevate the sandwich. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Returning to our social network example, R(3,10) could be considered off-diagonal, given that 3 and 10 are reasonably far apart. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
Noun
The painting, surrounded by scaffolding while the church undergoes repairs, is full of thrusting diagonals and shadowy figures, a meditation on both extreme suffering and pointed indifference to it. — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026 Chevrolet has equipped the vehicle with a striking 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen, paired with an 8-inch driver information display. — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for diagonal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for diagonal
  1. oblique
  2. slope
  3. sloping
  4. inclination
  5. sloped
  6. incline
Adjective
  • There was the oblique strain in early April that sidelined him for more than a month.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Other sustaining injuries were linebacker Nick Martin (stinger) and safety Marques Sigle (oblique); cornerback Nate Hobbs did not play because of a groin injury that will keep him out this preseason.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of oblique
Noun
  • Today, mature oaks and decades-old landscaping frame the slope from the home to the water and dock.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The only redeeming aspect of the show happens here, on a ski slope, when their youngest daughter Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome, is treated to a lesson via an adaptive ski school.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of slope
Adjective
  • Gates open to a sloping, 700-foot-long driveway that passes by whimsical sculptures before arriving at a spacious cobblestone motor court.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of sloping
Noun
  • The ultimate challenge is winning backing from rural states and from Republicans with little inclination to lift a finger for left-leaning Hollywood.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • While your first inclination might be to use a face or body scrub, dermatologists recommend a gentle moisturizer packed with rich emollients and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of inclination
Adjective
  • Common areas feature self-operating lifts or sloped entryways.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026
  • The Karine armchair has some serious potential to become your new favorite chair with its sloped arms and relaxed silhouette, energized by a mellow shade of green.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026
Definition of sloped
Noun
  • The Pro version utilizes dual 250-W all-wheel-drive hubs to generate the torque to climb an impressive 15% hill incline.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Agriculture’s relative share in non-performing assets (NPAs) has been on a steady incline for at least a decade—often exacerbated when poor monsoons affect crop yields.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of incline

Phrases Containing diagonal

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diagnostics
diagonal
diagonally
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Cite this Entry

“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagonal. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on diagonal

Nglish: Translation of diagonal for Spanish Speakers

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