oblique

adjective

ō-ˈblēk How to pronounce oblique (audio)
Definition of obliquenext
1
as in tilted
inclined or twisted to one side gave the eavesdropper an oblique glance out of the corner of her eye

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sloping
running in a slanting direction in the painting the artist repeats the oblique line of the path with the oblique line of the outstretched arm

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of oblique The three-time All-Star also went on the IL in May with an oblique strain and missed time last year with the same injury. — CBS News, 18 June 2026 This represents Palencia’s second IL stint this season after missing three weeks from mid-April into May with a left oblique strain. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026 Grissom, 25, was retroactively placed on the IL to June 5 with a left oblique strain. — Oc Register, 17 June 2026 Drake Baldwin was put on the IL with an oblique strain. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oblique
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oblique
  1. tilted
  2. sloping
  3. uneven
  4. diagonal
  5. crooked
  6. sloped
Adjective
  • Compared with tilted plastic rafts used in warmer climates, this design attaches flexible solar panels directly to thick, waterproof foam sheets, reducing wind exposure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
  • Citi maintained that risks to oil prices remain tilted to the upside, as Iran retains significant control over the timing and terms of any potential agreement to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz energy route.
    — Sam Meredith,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 10 May 2026
Definition of tilted
Adjective
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Watch for soft spots on floors, uneven or sloping flooring, cracks in walls and warped materials.
    — Ryan Brennan May 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
Definition of sloping
Adjective
  • The uneven overall performance can be traced back — first and foremost — to a leaky defense.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • The uneven elevation of Spain’s mountainous regions could obstruct viewing the eclipse, as could a line of trees or a smattering of buildings.
    — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026
Definition of uneven
Adjective
  • Returning to our social network example, R(3,10) could be considered off-diagonal, given that 3 and 10 are reasonably far apart.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
  • Moon found Thomas Amang in the center of the field and continued his diagonal run to the box.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 12 July 2026
Definition of diagonal
Adjective
  • Resurrection Dex’s Resurrection is an uncomfortably honest and self-critical mixtape about the British rapper attempting to reform his crooked ways.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • Whitehead, meanwhile, crystalizes his sense of what makes the city run, where Carney fits in, and how the straight and crooked worlds are entwined in one strange ecosystem with laws that only the lawless can enforce.
    — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of crooked
Adjective
  • Common areas feature self-operating lifts or sloped entryways.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026
  • The Karine armchair has some serious potential to become your new favorite chair with its sloped arms and relaxed silhouette, energized by a mellow shade of green.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026
Definition of sloped

Browse Nearby Words

obligingness
oblique
obliquely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oblique.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oblique. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on oblique

Nglish: Translation of oblique for Spanish Speakers

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