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Definition of nonlinear

nonlinear

/ˌnɑːnˈlɪn.i.ɚ/
non · lin · e · ar
Adverb:nonlinearly
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nonlinear Lexical Profile

nonlinear Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not arranged in a straight line, or not progressing in a direct, sequential, or chronological order.

Example

"The novel uses a nonlinear narrative structure that jumps back and forth between the protagonist's childhood and adulthood."

2

Designating or involving an equation, function, or system whose output is not directly proportional to its input and cannot be represented as a straight line on a graph (in mathematics and physics).

Example

"Weather patterns are governed by complex nonlinear equations that make long-term forecasting extremely difficult."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for nonlinear

• Nearby Words

nonlegal
nonlethal
nonliable
nonlinear
nonlinearly
nonliquid
nonliteral

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nonlinear. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nonlinear
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