diagonal
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for diagonal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Slanted; running at an angle rather than straight up-and-down or side-to-side.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Slanted; running at an angle rather than straight up-and-down or side-to-side.
“She drew a diagonal line across the page to cross it out.”
Opposites
How to use diagonal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
diagonal line
diagonal stripes
move diagonally
Etymology
From Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagonios ("from angle to angle"), from dia- ("across") + gonia ("angle").
Full origin of diagonal →Frequently asked questions
What does “diagonal” mean?
The word “diagonal” means slanted; running at an angle rather than straight up-and-down or side-to-side. In plain terms, slanted, or a slanted line — the opposite of straight horizontal or vertical.
How do you pronounce “diagonal”?
“Diagonal” is pronounced deye-AG-nuhl (/daɪ̯ˈæɡ(ə)nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “diagonal” in a sentence?
Here is “diagonal” used in a sentence: “She drew a diagonal line across the page to cross it out.”
What is another word for “diagonal”?
Words with a similar meaning to “diagonal” include slash.
What is the opposite of “diagonal”?
The opposite of “diagonal” — its antonyms — is backslash.
What part of speech is “diagonal”?
Depending on how it is used, “diagonal” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “diagonal” come from?
The word “diagonal” comes from Latin. From Latin diagonalis, from Greek diagonios ("from angle to angle"), from dia- ("across") + gonia ("angle").
Is “diagonal” a common word?
“Diagonal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
