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
These were not beavers in the abstract sense, not representatives of a species, but instead two specific beavers, a pair.
—
Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, talk about college in the abstract, Hernandez said.
—Silas Allen
september 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025
Across 12 songs, there’s nary a verse or chorus in which Carpenter’s tongue isn’t in her cheek, even as the songs get at stuff anyone who’s been part of the dating world may find slightly painful in the abstract.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
This is not just about saving democracy in the abstract.
—Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the abstract
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Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Many students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, talk about college in the abstract, Hernandez said.
—Silas Allen
september 16, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2025
Across 12 songs, there’s nary a verse or chorus in which Carpenter’s tongue isn’t in her cheek, even as the songs get at stuff anyone who’s been part of the dating world may find slightly painful in the abstract.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
This is not just about saving democracy in the abstract.
—Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 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 30 Sep. 2025.
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