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
Denier is a measure used in fabrics that is based on the linear density of a fabric.
—
Scott Gilbertson Gear Team, WIRED, 28 Apr. 2024
Wright’s running style is more linear than free-flowing, which limits his cut smoothness and elusiveness on the second level.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2024
Success isn’t linear, but this model’s advice shows that consistency and mindfulness are key factors to acquiring notoriety and stability.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024
The restructure, which will merge the media company’s linear and streaming studios (launched in 2021) into one unit, was unveiled by NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises chairman Luis Fernández.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024
In turn, the layout teeters between being very linear and formal while overflowing with an abundance of flowers and edibles.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Visions of Mana is a semi-open-world game—what kind of challenges did the developers face in striking a balance between both linear and open-world playstyles?
—Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 5 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, NBCUniversal’s AI scans content across all its linear and streaming properties including MSNBC, E!, and Peacock.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
If linear, meaning the storms group together, stronger winds and tornadoes are more possible.
—Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
Scott Gilbertson Gear Team, WIRED, 28 Apr. 2024
Wright’s running style is more linear than free-flowing, which limits his cut smoothness and elusiveness on the second level.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2024
Success isn’t linear, but this model’s advice shows that consistency and mindfulness are key factors to acquiring notoriety and stability.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024
The restructure, which will merge the media company’s linear and streaming studios (launched in 2021) into one unit, was unveiled by NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises chairman Luis Fernández.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024
In turn, the layout teeters between being very linear and formal while overflowing with an abundance of flowers and edibles.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 16 Apr. 2024
Visions of Mana is a semi-open-world game—what kind of challenges did the developers face in striking a balance between both linear and open-world playstyles?
—Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 5 Apr. 2024
Meanwhile, NBCUniversal’s AI scans content across all its linear and streaming properties including MSNBC, E!, and Peacock.
—Rachyl Jones, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024
If linear, meaning the storms group together, stronger winds and tornadoes are more possible.
—Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
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