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 portrayals of Black couples—through struggle, passion, humor, and success—have shown us that love may not be linear, but is still beautiful, nonetheless.
—
Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
But development progress is rarely linear for players at such a young age.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Over the past century, snakes have figured prominently in jewelry, as their tails, long and linear or tight and coiled, lend themselves well to earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.
—Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
In fact, 2025 is quietly shaping up to be linear TV’s last gasp, the year when the pieces that were gluing what was left of the pay-TV bundle together break free from it, and migrate toward the inevitable streaming future.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for linear 
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Okla Jones, Essence, 14 Feb. 2025
But development progress is rarely linear for players at such a young age.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Over the past century, snakes have figured prominently in jewelry, as their tails, long and linear or tight and coiled, lend themselves well to earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings.
—Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
In fact, 2025 is quietly shaping up to be linear TV’s last gasp, the year when the pieces that were gluing what was left of the pay-TV bundle together break free from it, and migrate toward the inevitable streaming future.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Feb. 2025
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 21 Feb. 2025.
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