bright-line

adjective

ˈbrīt-ˌlīn How to pronounce bright-line (audio)
Definition of bright-linenext
as in obvious
not subject to misinterpretation or more than one interpretation there is no bright-line rule governing the issue

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of bright-line But each decision is fact-specific, and there are few bright-line rules. — Zoey Forbes, The Dial, 7 July 2026 When the choice is between the CPM and something other than the CUT method or a CUT-like unspecified method, the bright-line comparability requirements imposed by reg. — Ryan Finley, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026 There is no bright-line definition for hardship—it’s determined by the employer under the terms of the retirement plan and based on facts and circumstances. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Baron’s argument is, at first, the least problematic; the killing of his cousin is a bright-line injustice. — Jesse Green, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 The new draft guidelines are not bright-line laws or regulations, and US antitrust enforcement will continue to reflect longstanding legal precedents, senior administration officials emphasized Tuesday in a call with reporters. — Brian Fung, CNN, 19 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bright-line
  1. obvious
  2. unmistakable
  3. apparent
  4. clear
  5. straightforward
  6. evident
  7. distinct
  8. broad
Adjective
  • The proximity makes a team’s flaws so obvious, which is why fans sometimes fixate on the three or four major problems with their team rather than highlight the strengths of the group.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Oakley said there were no obvious signs of foul play or trauma.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of obvious
Adjective
  • Wilde cultivated an unmistakable appearance through his clothing, aestheticism, and flamboyance.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Wonder Woman’s costume is an unmistakable part of her enduring appeal.
    — Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmistakable
Adjective
  • The Will County Coroner’s Office ruled his death as an apparent homicide.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The ring of material surrounding Sgr A* would be about four degrees across—about half the apparent size of your outstretched fist.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of apparent
Adjective
  • On Friday, Davide Ancelotti, Lille’s head coach, confirmed Fernandez-Pardo, who had made clear his desire to leave, would not train with the squad until after Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Kayley and Nathan’s efforts are intercut with Kasandra opening her birthday present from Jeff (whose airways are now totally clear), a $100,000 diamond necklace.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clear
Adjective
  • Democrats, with their signature concern for minority rights, had additional reasons to distrust straightforward majority rule.
    — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Your husband merely identified the obvious, most vicious enemy of the people in straightforward terms.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of straightforward
Adjective
  • This issue is particularly evident among younger employees, as 20% of Gen Z workers report experiencing loneliness frequently—approximately double the rate reported by Millennials.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Boise State is among college football’s top teams for returning talent in 2026, and that fact is perhaps no more evident than in the running back room.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of evident
Adjective
  • Transplants of muscle stem cells are a promising avenue for research, having distinct advantages over other tissues in their ability to encourage the growth of new blood vessels and limitations on rapid growth.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, active adult rental has begun to emerge as a distinct property type.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of distinct
Adjective
  • Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The e-commerce giant is preparing to launch its Prime Air service in Tracy as part of a broader expansion effort that will bring delivery drones to 500 cities and towns by the end of the year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad

Browse Nearby Words

brightens
bright-line
brightly
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Cite this Entry

“Bright-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bright-line. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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