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
Based solely on The Hunting Party’s middling linear performance, the drama likely would’ve been a goner a month ago.
—
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2026
That matters because most organizations still plan as if progress is linear.
—Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Once the watermelon plant is established, before the vines begin to run, side dress plants with nitrogen fertilizer, such as 34-0-0, using 1 pound per 100 linear feet of row.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 June 2026
That matters because most organizations still plan as if progress is linear.
—Brian Solis, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Once the watermelon plant is established, before the vines begin to run, side dress plants with nitrogen fertilizer, such as 34-0-0, using 1 pound per 100 linear feet of row.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 May 2026
During Disney’s most recent quarterly report in early May, the company’s entertainment segment reported that streaming revenue offset declines in both linear affiliate fees and advertising.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
The ski lift at Le K2 Palace grants direct access to the sprawling ski areas of France's Les Trois Vallées, the largest ski area in the world.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Iran, for its part, has moved to formalize its control over the strait in direct opposition to US demands.—
Hanna Ziady,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
That nod to Towns is with all due respect to Jalen Brunson, who has lived up to the Captain Clutch nickname in two straight games.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
9 June 2026
-
Heney was nothing short of sensational, following the home run by holding 18 straight batters without a hit.—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
In the video, Allie dramatically acted out both sides of the conversation, capturing the feeling of trying to extract a straightforward answer from her mom.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
-
Not Suitable for Work, by contrast, stretches for both satire and straightforward cuddliness.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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