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
The greatest risk is along and south of the I‑94 corridor, with storms likely transitioning to a linear mode later in the evening.
—
Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
The senior note holders will own 99 percent of the new parent company’s shares after completion of the capital restructuring, brought on by a continuing decline in linear TV advertising in Canada and hefty company borrowings.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Longer lifespans, less linear careers, a rising cost of living, and tighter government budgets are redefining what retirement security even means.
—Chris Mahoney, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
The angular structure follows a relatively linear layout that unfolds over three levels.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
The senior note holders will own 99 percent of the new parent company’s shares after completion of the capital restructuring, brought on by a continuing decline in linear TV advertising in Canada and hefty company borrowings.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Longer lifespans, less linear careers, a rising cost of living, and tighter government budgets are redefining what retirement security even means.
—Chris Mahoney, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026
The angular structure follows a relatively linear layout that unfolds over three levels.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
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The plaintiffs in Wednesday's lawsuit argued the order unconstitutionally intrudes on Congress and the states' power to regulate elections, since the Constitution doesn't give the president any direct authority over how federal elections are conducted.—
Jacob Rosen,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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For instance, French people are often seen as more direct.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Senior Sarah Graves and Texas women’s basketball are headed back to their second straight Final Four after a 77-41 win over Michigan in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament on Monday at Dickies Arena.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Mar. 2026
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Gilgeous-Alexander scored six straight points to cut the deficit to 97-96 and Jaylin Williams, who missed his first five shots, drained a corner 3-pointer to tie the game at 99.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Requiring hours of collaboration and complex coding, the 1976 animation is, conversely, one of Bettina’s most visually straightforward objects.—
Katherine Rochester,
Artforum,
1 Apr. 2026
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While that sounds straightforward, the real value lies in its layered rewards system, which introduces additional earning opportunities as well as complications.—
Katherine Fan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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