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
Warren found Soderbergh’s oblique way of directing perfect for an oblique script — and a movie that became even more oblique in the editing, as Soderbergh reshuffled the linear narrative to be out of order and more evocative of past memories than a present-day story being told with immediacy.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
This means shifting from linear to seasonal ambition.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Following Kirk's death, PEOPLE confirmed that Comedy Central would not air the episode as reruns in its linear rotation.
—Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Since its release, the show has divided its domestic availability among four major streaming services — Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Funimation (later acquired by Crunchyroll) — and the highest-profile linear home for anime, Adult Swim’s Toonami block.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linear
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2025
This means shifting from linear to seasonal ambition.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Following Kirk's death, PEOPLE confirmed that Comedy Central would not air the episode as reruns in its linear rotation.
—Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
Since its release, the show has divided its domestic availability among four major streaming services — Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and Funimation (later acquired by Crunchyroll) — and the highest-profile linear home for anime, Adult Swim’s Toonami block.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
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By sidestepping the fragile transfer process and enabling direct fabrication on liquid, Xu’s method could transform how scientists design lightweight, adaptable technologies across multiple fields.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Sandurz, an underling of Dark Helmet’s, is not a direct parody of any Star Wars character but plays a part similar to that of General Veers or Admiral Piett in the original series.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Eventually, Hina pulled out the W, followed by Uli, as Kele lost their third straight competition.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
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The straight, glossy black hair instantly elevates any look, with a middle part that reads both classic and sharp.—
Noel Cymone Walker,
StyleCaster,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Despite having a relatively straightforward main plot, the first Hades excelled at grafting deep backstories and layered personalities to each of its many characters that fleshed out Greek mythology.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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The commercial test that will decide competitiveness is straightforward.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
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