Definition of abstractnext
1
as in to distract
to draw the attention or mind to something else personal problems abstracted him so persistently that he struggled to keep his mind on his work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

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 abstract
Adjective
The process helps turn abstract measurements into physical judgments. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Based on seeing a rodeo, Untitled (1948) is one of Parsons’s earliest abstract paintings. John Yau, ARTnews.com, 24 July 2026
Noun
The potential of McDavid and Matthews becoming available is a concept that still very much exists in the abstract. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 5 June 2026 The disillusioned 32% aren’t angry in the abstract. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Verb
Beginning in the eighteen-nineties, Karl Blossfeldt took closeups of plants abstracted from their environments, making visible the art of their natural curlicues and reticulations. Max Norman, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 For The Landing Daybed, Torres abstracted the catenary curves of bridge suspension cables for the arched legs. Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
  • But each alternative scenario encountered insurmountable theoretical limitations.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 July 2026
  • Each count of wire fraud also carries a theoretical maximum of 20 years in prison.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • The impressionistic, black-and-white feature premiered at Telluride in 2024 and the New York Film Festival.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 July 2026
  • But there’s this whole ‘nother level of what’s going on that is visual, image-based, impressionistic in a way.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • That observation may be the clearest summary of Hawk’s philosophy.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Michigan didn’t put the entire Sherrone Moore scandal at Manuel’s feet, but the summary released by the university pointed to numerous issues that occurred on his watch, including a failure to respond quickly to allegations of misconduct.
    Austin Meek, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • The medals are a manifestation of a campaign that included far more good than bad.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • By focusing on changing immutable elements through mind power alone, the manifestation practices of Byrne and Nafousi—which promote aligning visualization with action—entered the world of magical thinking.
    Daisy Schofield, Allure, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Knight brought both belts into the ring, distracting the referee by throwing the world title in the ring.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In the context of tens of thousands of DPS students who aren’t making gains quickly enough to ever meet proficiency levels, such fanfare is essentially distracting braggadocio.
    Elaine Gantz Berman, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Holtberg-Benge has built AI agents that monitor technology developments, summarize industry news, prepare meeting materials and review contracts and statements of work.
    Peter High, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Wikipedia became a foundational text for machine-learning models designed to summarize and answer questions using information drawn from other online sources.
    Carson Griffith, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The war on language is more metaphysical than just the policing of proper social justice terminology, Williams argues.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • Varsha’s mysterious memories are apparently linked to a much larger set of crises, and in order to make sense of these connections, both Dinu and Ghosh will have to dispense with the material and tread into the metaphysical.
    Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Reading Europe’s fate through the lives of two French sisters in a famous impressionist portrait.
    Luke Lyman, Washington Post, 13 July 2026
  • As Maher walked on stage to receive his award from 2014 awardee Leno, up stepped impressionist Friend from the audience to interrupt the proceedings.
    Paul Harris, Variety, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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