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 game’s spirit of sharing and community, along with its pioneering approach to guiding players through abstract environments in 3D space, is rooted in the upbringing of designer John Romero, who is Native American (Yaqui, Cherokee) and Mexican. Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 All these pieces are abstract, and at some point Serrano decided to reintroduce representation into his art. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Noun
The disillusioned 32% aren’t angry in the abstract. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026 But in his hands, these forms were never neutral, blank, or abstract. Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 May 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
  • Although the idea of putting data centers into space has long been discussed on a theoretical basis, the technology has rapidly become a red-hot topic.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026
  • That was driven by the theoretical potential of AI to displace traditional software, but IBM’s profit warning appeared to confirm that a secular shift is now under way.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.
    Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
  • Dreams of Violets can feel disjointed in spots, but perhaps not more than any impressionistic movie about a crisis.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • The request form asks for a person’s name, contact information, residence and summary about the neighborly dispute.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • In addition to the physical manifestation — the rusting fort jutting out of the water — Sealand will stay alive online, due in large part to the very idea of its founding.
    Brit McCandless Farmer, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Verb
  • Roschelle had seemed distracted lately, going to a bunch of doctors’ appointments, talking to Sapphire late at night.
    Jessica Contrera, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • During a recent concert where Graham Nash was speaking his mind about needless wars and his belief that the president started a war with Iran to distract from the Epstein files, someone in the audience yelled out.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • To summarize, when the Amur rocket was announced in 2020, its flight date was scheduled for 2026.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • After a 106% annual increase in industry sales in April, sales growth accelerated to 119% in May, JPMorgan noted on Friday, summarizing WSTS data.
    Tobias Burns, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • This spiritual, metaphysical, and downright weird show is ostensibly about a nun’s quest to find and destroy the Holy Grail, which will result in the deactivation of the powerful, pervasive AI that gives the series its name.
    Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • In both the real and metaphysical locations of the show, the backgrounds are all painted by hand, something which was pointed out took up a lot of time due to the number of paintings in the show and due to the number of montages.
    Kambole Campbell, Variety, 25 June 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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