nonlinear

adjective

non·​lin·​e·​ar ˌnän-ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce nonlinear (audio)
: not linear
nonlinear thinking
a nonlinear narrative
… I was already interested in the nonlinear manner in which ideas and fashions travel through our culture …— Lyall Watson
nonlinearity
ˌnän-ˌli-nē-ˈer-ə-tē How to pronounce nonlinear (audio)
-ˈa-rə-
noun
plural nonlinearities
nonlinearly adverb

Examples of nonlinear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Maintaining Dynamic Frameworks To Curate Serendipity Curating serendipity is a bespoke process—a nonlinear method of design resulting in a dynamic framework. — Riki Nishimura, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Watch Bad Sisters on Apple TV+ Disclaimer Disclaimer is a drama told in a nonlinear format, bouncing between the present and the past. — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 Though the nonlinear story is busy with flashbacks and stuffed with themes, characters and real-world analogues (some of which are not fully fleshed out), the worldview that emerges is distinctly Bong: absurdist and yet cautiously hopeful about the future. — Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025 The leaders who thrive in a nonlinear world think small, embrace uncertainty, and act fast. — Kevin Kruse, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonlinear

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonlinear was in 1884

Rhymes for nonlinear

See All Rhymes for nonlinear

Browse Nearby Words

nonlineal
nonlinear
nonlinguist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nonlinear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonlinear. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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