in the abstract
idiom
: without referring to a specific person, object, or event : in a general way
thinking about freedom in the abstract
Examples of in the abstract in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
White men supported diversity in the abstract but did not see a need for a focus on race.
—
Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Offseasons are about adding wins and building rosters, but that’s in the abstract.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Some reinforcements are on the way for the Wild.
After existing in the abstract pretty much ever since he was drafted, Russian prospect Danila Yuorv has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Wild.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
These sentences would be unremarkable in the abstract—say, in a constitutional-law lesson.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the abstract
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Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Offseasons are about adding wins and building rosters, but that’s in the abstract.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Some reinforcements are on the way for the Wild.
After existing in the abstract pretty much ever since he was drafted, Russian prospect Danila Yuorv has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Wild.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
These sentences would be unremarkable in the abstract—say, in a constitutional-law lesson.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the abstract
Cite this Entry
“In the abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20abstract. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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