as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation
there is no bright-line rule governing the issue
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Recent Examples of bright-line
There is no bright-line definition for hardship—it’s determined by the employer under the terms of the retirement plan and based on facts and circumstances.
—
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
None of these cases, for instance, is likely to result in the full restoration of the bright-line rules established with the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, rules based in part on the lessons of our battles against authoritarian monarchy in the seventeenth century.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Baron’s argument is, at first, the least problematic; the killing of his cousin is a bright-line injustice.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024
And there’s one bright-line issue that many Northern Virginia Democrats said is fundamental to them: full Virginia funding for the Metro transit system.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024
Because there are no bright-line rules for arguing fair use, Anthropic would need to present a strong case for its situation — likely involving the development of AI and the need for innovation.
—Tatjana Paterno, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Because some amount of discretion is needed in adjudicating these disputes, the absence of bright-line rules is a positive development.
—Robert Litan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Mar. 2016
The route to success in arguing a case before Justice O’Connor lay not in invoking legal doctrine or bright-line rules, but in marshaling the facts to demonstrate a decision’s potential impact.
—Linda Greenhouse, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
The new draft guidelines are not bright-line laws or regulations, and US antitrust enforcement will continue to reflect longstanding legal precedents, senior administration officials emphasized Tuesday in a call with reporters.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 19 July 2023
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
None of these cases, for instance, is likely to result in the full restoration of the bright-line rules established with the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, rules based in part on the lessons of our battles against authoritarian monarchy in the seventeenth century.
—Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Baron’s argument is, at first, the least problematic; the killing of his cousin is a bright-line injustice.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024
And there’s one bright-line issue that many Northern Virginia Democrats said is fundamental to them: full Virginia funding for the Metro transit system.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2024
Because there are no bright-line rules for arguing fair use, Anthropic would need to present a strong case for its situation — likely involving the development of AI and the need for innovation.
—Tatjana Paterno, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Because some amount of discretion is needed in adjudicating these disputes, the absence of bright-line rules is a positive development.
—Robert Litan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Mar. 2016
The route to success in arguing a case before Justice O’Connor lay not in invoking legal doctrine or bright-line rules, but in marshaling the facts to demonstrate a decision’s potential impact.
—Linda Greenhouse, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2023
The new draft guidelines are not bright-line laws or regulations, and US antitrust enforcement will continue to reflect longstanding legal precedents, senior administration officials emphasized Tuesday in a call with reporters.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 19 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright-line
Adjective
-
Find the right dog kennel site This may seem obvious, but good site selection can mean the difference between a single workday and an entire holiday weekend.—
Patrick Brady,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2025
-
The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In an age of standardized luxury, the resort stands apart – a testament to the power of family, the beauty of authentic hospitality and the unmistakable excellence that comes from a deep love of place and people.—
Melissa Noel,
Essence,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Broadcast’s reach advantage is north of 20 million homes; toss a rage-bait draw like the Blue Devils into the mix and last year’s results are going to take on the unmistakable contours of a fluke.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Fears of a possible constitutional crisis are on the rise following an apparent standoff between Donald Trump and a federal judge after the president was ordered to stop deportation flights traveling to El Salvador.—
The Editors,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
-
No rhyme, reason, or apparent causality except that computers are just [unprintable expletives].—
Nate Anderson,
Ars Technica,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
-
When playing indoors, clear glasses with anti-reflective coating are recommended.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Although cannabis impairment detection is not as straightforward as with alcohol, police are still able to identify it.—
Tanya Mohn,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
-
Playing net-front is not as straightforward as going to the front of the net and standing there.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The case is composed of four distinct elements: two lateral sections, a case back and a bezel.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Each scent captures a distinct encounter, using an olfactory experience to transport the wearer to a specific moment in time.—
Danielle James,
Vogue,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Conrad’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its daily operations.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
That much was evident in the latest meeting as both sets of players gave everything to try to get one over the other in what has become a rivalry for the ages.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In turning the lens on Cromwell, whose role is much less conspicuous in history, Straughan offers a broader portrait of the world around King Henry, one that lived, thrived and perished by his orders.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
23 Mar. 2025
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Trump and his top officials have framed the potential partial ceasefire as a springboard for a broader peace deal to end Russia's war on its neighbor.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bright-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright-line. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
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