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
In the garage investigators found a blue inflatable pool with linear cuts as well as blood that later was matched to Hernandez.
—
Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026
This is the generation that was told to follow a linear path—go to college, build a stable career, stay committed to one profession—only to enter a workforce defined by layoffs, restructuring, economic instability, and constant reinvention.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The partnership aims to create quality low-cost programming for both linear television and mobile-first viewing.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 May 2026
In recent years, amid sliding linear ratings, industry contraction and the impact of the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes, that statement would’ve been correct.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026
This is the generation that was told to follow a linear path—go to college, build a stable career, stay committed to one profession—only to enter a workforce defined by layoffs, restructuring, economic instability, and constant reinvention.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026
The partnership aims to create quality low-cost programming for both linear television and mobile-first viewing.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 14 May 2026
In recent years, amid sliding linear ratings, industry contraction and the impact of the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes, that statement would’ve been correct.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for linear
Adjective
-
Nagi, as Fukada imagines it, is empty but filled with voices — voices that are easily heard from every house in the area but seldom backed up by any kind of direct address.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
13 May 2026
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But even a completely Gaiman-free Good Omens would still bear his direct creative stamp.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
That mugshot—with her straight dark hair, motorcycle jacket, and flat, defiant stare—would come to represent a nation, and generation, in crisis; a startling declaration that America’s own sons and daughters had turned violently against their country.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
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The Sparks were determined to end a season-opening four-game homestand with their second straight win against Toronto.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Ahead of this week's PGA Championship, where DeChambeau is among the favorites at Aronimink Golf Club, 2002 PGA Championship winner Rich Beem was asked the simple yet not-so-straightforward question about the Tour's potential need for a DeChambeau return.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
13 May 2026
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Now, that might all sound like just common sense and relatively straightforward to achieve.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/linear. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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