1
a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking
a linear narrative
Synonyms
Examples of linear in a Sentence
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples on the Web
The objective of such a move would be to eliminate the financial drag of linear networks, which are losing subscribers and advertising revenue at a steady clip.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Employees are now navigating their careers through horizontal moves to gain varied experiences rather than climbing a linear ladder.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The bulk of the game revolves around exploring historically rich areas like Vatican City or Egypt, with some chapters playing in movie-like linear fashion while others opening to a more free-play experience.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
The company reported that its operating income from the linear networks fell 38% to $498 million in its fourth fiscal quarter, from $805 million in the same quarter in 2023.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear 
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Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Employees are now navigating their careers through horizontal moves to gain varied experiences rather than climbing a linear ladder.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
The bulk of the game revolves around exploring historically rich areas like Vatican City or Egypt, with some chapters playing in movie-like linear fashion while others opening to a more free-play experience.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024
The company reported that its operating income from the linear networks fell 38% to $498 million in its fourth fiscal quarter, from $805 million in the same quarter in 2023.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear
Dictionary Entries Near linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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