abstract 1 of 3

Definition of abstractnext

abstract

2 of 3

noun

abstract

3 of 3

verb

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
Both of them are very abstract visions and understandings of the natural world. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2026 Just as cutspace’s abstract beats and calligraphy performances trouble the connection between text and meaning, jackzebra and Bloodz Boi scrutinize surface-level social behavior and its disconnect from our internal worlds. James Gui, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
Graphic murals, on the other hand, like bold abstracts or large-scale shapes, tend to require a more intentional approach. Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026 Within this abstract, scientists can describe their findings, the impact of their findings, and the limitations of the work. Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
And the Cubists picked up on that in the twentieth century and abstracted from his landscapes, making pure Cubist constructions in which the optical space on the canvas—very similar to Cezanne’s—was composed of little abstract blocks. Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026 The process of abstracting huge news events into memes has become much faster. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
  • Moreover, according to the researchers, their technique works even when there is no perfect theoretical model of the material, and the sample is not pure (which is often the case in real-world materials).
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
  • This week, that scenario started to feel less theoretical.
    Kevin Collier, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Harriet Tubman hasn’t written verses or choruses for her, instead opting for a whirlpool of slushy guitar and sticky rhythms that swirls around Muldrow’s impressionistic declarations and assertive meditations.
    Reed Jackson, SPIN, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Teen-agers hung the page in their windows or on their walls, like today’s dorm-room posters of Che Guevara or Malcolm X or Tupac—less a sign of a specific political ideology than an impressionistic display of youthful rebellion.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The summary is usually ready within seconds after the appointment ends.
    Katherine Ruppelt, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Check out your summary of benefits for more details.
    Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The pop star’s headlining set was a two-year-old manifestation come to life.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Tickets for the event, which includes yoga, manifestation and sound healing, start at 2,699 Australian dollars ($1,912) per person.
    Reuters, NBC news, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Mohan admits she had been distracted by personal problems, and wishes Robby well on his sabbatical.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Then the waiter gets distracted.
    Laura House, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 2024, Apple launched Apple Intelligence, which includes image generators, text rewriters, the ability to summarize push notifications and an integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT.
    Jennifer Elias, CNBC, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That workflow provides doctors with more accurate answers that summarize and link to important papers and guidelines.
    Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The nature of their bond also lends the movie its metaphysical dimension.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Or from whatever this risibly self-serious metaphysical nonsense about performance and possession, creation and exorcism, aims to be.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace appears like a post-impressionist vision, its beige crown backdropped by the freckled green of the Maniyagarh hills.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Her favorite is the impressionist Musée d'Orsay, which is undergoing renovation through summer 2028 but remains open.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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