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
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
Which is to say that in the abstract, letting parents see what their kids are checking out of the library doesn’t seem obviously unreasonable to me.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
In fact, few people care about immigration numbers in the abstract.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the abstract
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.
Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
This is not just about saving democracy in the abstract.
—Stacey Abrams, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
Which is to say that in the abstract, letting parents see what their kids are checking out of the library doesn’t seem obviously unreasonable to me.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
In fact, few people care about immigration numbers in the abstract.
—Alexander Kustov, Foreign Affairs, 12 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 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share