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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That’s had a direct impact on patient numbers, Muthyala said.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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The layoff notices, approved by a 4-3 vote, target central and regional office staff, who were described as providing direct and important services to schools.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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How Carolyn Bessette wore a headband Carolyn Bessette delivered a master class in how versatile a headband can be, styling her long blonde hair straight and loose, in a sleek low ponytail, or gathered in a nape-skimming bun.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
16 Feb. 2026
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Or maybe their current bullpen composition will force the Yankees to splurge on relievers – and further deplete their farm system – prior to the trade deadline for the second straight year.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Because of the bulbous front element, filters can only be fitted at the rear, but Sigma's included GP-11 filter holder makes this surprisingly straightforward.—
Tantse Walter,
Space.com,
18 Feb. 2026
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Mok, who Banks later notes was the show’s head of story, is more straightforward.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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