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
Like Sudoku, the result should ensure that each vertical, horizontal, and diagonal row has a complete outfit consisting of a top, bottom, and layer. Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2026 The Argentine legend unlocked the Cape Verde defense in the 29th minute, controlling a long diagonal pass with one touch in the box and promptly flicking it over the head of a charging Vozinha. Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 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
Adjective
  • The lineup is also without 3B Matt Chapman (abdominal strain) and OFs Harrison Bader (plantar fasciitis), Jonah Cox (oblique) and Victor Bericoto (oblique).
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2026
  • Well, Jonah Cox is nearly recovered from his oblique injury and could merit a longer look.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Aragüés learned that one of his former crewmates, who was defending a friend’s house, lost his own home when the fire travelled down a slope next to him.
    M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Investigators found damaged trees along Rock Branch Road, before the tornado crossed Highway 212 and snapped or uprooted numerous trees along the southward slope of Shelton Laurel Creek and toward Cutshall Town Road.
    Joe Marusak July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Watch for soft spots on floors, uneven or sloping flooring, cracks in walls and warped materials.
    Ryan Brennan May 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The rocket reached an orbit approximately 280 miles (450 kilometers) high at an inclination of 60 degrees to the equator, quite close to preflight predictions.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2026
  • Emery’s inclination for wide forwards is well known, but acutely demonstrated in Garnacho’s case.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
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
Noun
  • This portable treadmill is super compact, turning any room into your personal walking track, with a maximum speed of 3 mph controlled via remote and an adjustable incline of 5% or 7%.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Then, roughly a mile into the trek, the electric assist on Peoples’ mountain wheelchair suddenly stopped working, leaving her to power the remaining miles using only her arms on every incline.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Diagonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diagonal. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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