1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
the book deals with abstract matters such as honesty and integrity on the job as well as practical subjects such as asking for a raise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impressionistic
using elements of form (as color, line, or texture) with little or no attempt at creating a realistic picture
Cubism is a style of abstract art in which natural forms are broken up into geometric shapes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
the scientist wrote a bare-bones abstract of his research and conclusions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)
a recent college valedictorian who's been hailed as the very abstract of what's right with today's young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in to summarize
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
took the 135-page report and abstracted it in three short paragraphs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstract
Kristin Brown, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
That reticence may well have helped to diminish his reputation; indeed, his contribution has been largely eclipsed by that of his eldest son, the abstract painter and sculptor Ben Nicholson.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026
Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
On November 3, an abstract from an American Heart Association meeting described an unpublished study using this type of data.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
For a digital computer, time is thin, unidimensional, and abstracted away from its thermodynamic arrow.
—Anil Seth, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Adjective
The consequences are not abstract.
—Kristin Brown, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
That reticence may well have helped to diminish his reputation; indeed, his contribution has been largely eclipsed by that of his eldest son, the abstract painter and sculptor Ben Nicholson.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
More than 270 pieces filled the gallery, ranging from bold abstracts to delicate florals, each reflecting the artists' distinct styles and the personal growth that came from creating daily.
—Lauren Crawford, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025
On November 3, an abstract from an American Heart Association meeting described an unpublished study using this type of data.
—Veronique Greenwood, Time, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
Affecting meaningful change — or suffering from the lack of it — has become so abstracted for the rich and powerful that everything feels like entertainment to them.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
For a digital computer, time is thin, unidimensional, and abstracted away from its thermodynamic arrow.
—Anil Seth, Big Think, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
-
In solving an 80-year-old chemical mystery, the researchers have not only answered a long-standing theoretical question but also expanded the toolbox of modern chemistry.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Beat writer Lauren Williams walks us through a few theoretical trades here.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Cinematography is by Josué Eber Morales and Gerardo Guerra; Mojica shot 8mm footage woven throughout the impressionistic film.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
23 Jan. 2026
-
These include glimpses of the world through June’s smartphone photographs and a short, impressionistic sequence during its closing scenes, when the characters lose themselves in dance.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The Sill reports that appointments with their human plant specialists have increased 30% as people tire of advice from chatbot service agents, influencers, and AI summaries.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Consciously choosing the design of this polish, applying it calmly, and visualizing your wishes for the new year transforms the manicure into an act of self-care and manifestation.—
Andrea Carbajal,
Glamour,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Theophany, which the holiday is often called in Eastern countries, celebrates the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity in addition to his baptism, according to The Catholic Witness.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
If your knee is bothering you, for instance, the vibration might distract your brain enough for the pain to temporarily retreat.—
Jennifer Heimlich,
Time,
23 Jan. 2026
-
One internal Google presentation, which is undated, conceded that using YouTube for learning is hard because the platform is distracting and disorganized.—
Tyler Kingkade,
NBC news,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some states offer helpful context, Maine provides video explainers, while Washington summarizes key policies, but few pair this with meaningful legal support.—
Ulrich Boser,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Sacramento Local Engagement & Retention Reporter Kat Tran contributed to this story by using AI tools to help summarize the original investigative story that was reported and written by Kate Wolffe and Nicole Nixon.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The Jupe bros – Jacobi and big brother Noah (as the stage Hamlet), who are both going places – playing characters that reflect each other in a metaphysical way.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Along its steep, meandering streets, Gothic churches and century-old bathhouses sit beside metaphysical shops and the towering Christ of the Ozarks statue.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The resulting rich visual swirl of colors and shapes looks like a dynamic impressionist painting.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Photograph by Evelyn Freja A stroke of inspiration led the boundary-pushing vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater to pair up with the impressionist pianist Bill Charlap.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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