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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of linear
Vernon has long since abandoned the linear song structures of For Emma, Forever Ago, opting instead for looping sequences that hover just short of resolution.
—
Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
The entire linear cable business has been steadily declining in the streaming era, which would explain why GSN — wholly owned by SPE since 2019 — is being folded into the studio’s game show portfolio.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
They are overwhelmed by high housing costs, unstable industries and non-linear paths.
—Ali Kaufman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
In addition to its Disney+ presence, ESPN has 50 linear networks reaching fans across 130 countries and territories.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
The entire linear cable business has been steadily declining in the streaming era, which would explain why GSN — wholly owned by SPE since 2019 — is being folded into the studio’s game show portfolio.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Apr. 2026
They are overwhelmed by high housing costs, unstable industries and non-linear paths.
—Ali Kaufman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
In addition to its Disney+ presence, ESPN has 50 linear networks reaching fans across 130 countries and territories.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
Mediators are pushing for a compromise on three main sticking points that derailed direct talks last weekend — Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and compensation for wartime damages, according to a regional official involved in the mediation efforts.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
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The documents, however, do not provide any direct evidence of criminal wrongdoing.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Already eliminated from the playoffs, Seattle lost to Los Angeles for the first time this season and has not won three straight games since January.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
These songs evince the mix of pop virtuosity and indie sleaze that would eventually make Larsson a cult artist, part of the lineage of straight white girls who are embraced as guardian angels for the gay club scene.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For Shaina Wilkins, justice is straightforward.—
Ash-har Quraishi,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This straightforward set-up lays the groundwork for a moving, and often anxiety-inducing, investigation of language, empathy, and miscommunication.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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