as in direct
free from irregularities or digressions in course
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
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Recent Examples of linear
But Mahomes is learning now, like all the greats do, success and growth are not always linear.
—
Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Comcast announced about a year ago plans to separate declining linear cable assets from its core broadband business and the rest of NBCUniversal.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on pin-base compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent lamps are set to begin in 2027.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
As in many of Marshall’s finest paintings, linear time is disrupted, disjointed, out of whack.
—James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Andrew Callahan, Hartford Courant, 5 Jan. 2026
Comcast announced about a year ago plans to separate declining linear cable assets from its core broadband business and the rest of NBCUniversal.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on pin-base compact fluorescent and linear fluorescent lamps are set to begin in 2027.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Jan. 2026
As in many of Marshall’s finest paintings, linear time is disrupted, disjointed, out of whack.
—James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
That is a direct threat against the people of this state, who dared to vote against him three times, and who continue to stand up for freedom with courage and empathy and profound grace.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
15 Jan. 2026
-
In the last 12 months, over 60,000 federal employees who had provided direct veteran healthcare services, including us having a care team around us, have been laid off or paid off to retire early.—
John Ramos,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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Bryant held a 47-38 advantage after Camarion Bead's three-point play with just over five minutes to go in the third quarter, but Jonesboro charged back with six straight points to cut the gap to three.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The hatch closure livestream could be a rather straightforward affair, with live video showing views of the astronauts entering the Dragon capsule, shutting the hatch and reporting down to Mission Control.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
15 Jan. 2026
-
As preteens enter puberty, their faces may need a more straightforward product to target acne.—
Katrina Cossey,
Parents,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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