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 unlike in live-action filmmaking, the writing, pre-production, production, and post-production are not linear processes.
—
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2026
Mollner wrote and directed Strange Darling, a non-linear thriller that, while not a box office hit, cemented him as a filmmaker with whom studios are deeply keen to work.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
In this small entryway by Assure Interiors, organic forms take center stage next to more linear shapes.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
While no longer a strong linear performer, Grey’s Anatomy remains a streaming juggernaut that brings a lot of value to Disney.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2026
Mollner wrote and directed Strange Darling, a non-linear thriller that, while not a box office hit, cemented him as a filmmaker with whom studios are deeply keen to work.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
In this small entryway by Assure Interiors, organic forms take center stage next to more linear shapes.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026
While no longer a strong linear performer, Grey’s Anatomy remains a streaming juggernaut that brings a lot of value to Disney.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
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Most agree that the one known as Seniors is the toughest, a direct shot from the summit through rock bands.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 2026
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Spanberger delivered a direct and effective rebuttal, drawing on her electoral success and law-enforcement background.—
Julia Terruso,
Time,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Wu said the city’s public school system will be closed for a second straight day on Tuesday, and libraries and community centers won’t open until noon.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
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Because life isn't a straight path.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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If the answer isn’t clear and straightforward, keep looking.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The service here is friendly, helpful, straightforward, and accommodating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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