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
Because that’s what Harlan was in the abstract, in his prime and after.
—
Jason Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024
But talking about music in the abstract can, in the words of composer Bear McCreary, be a little bit like dancing about architecture.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2024
While the concept is often spoken of in the abstract, the concrete evolution of the sourcing landscape is never more evident than in conversations with manufacturers.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2024
According to the historian David Nirenberg, talking about the Jews—not actual Jews but Jews in the abstract—is how Gentiles make sense of their world, from the largest questions of existence to the smallest questions of economics.
—Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in the abstract 
Jason Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024
But talking about music in the abstract can, in the words of composer Bear McCreary, be a little bit like dancing about architecture.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2024
While the concept is often spoken of in the abstract, the concrete evolution of the sourcing landscape is never more evident than in conversations with manufacturers.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2024
According to the historian David Nirenberg, talking about the Jews—not actual Jews but Jews in the abstract—is how Gentiles make sense of their world, from the largest questions of existence to the smallest questions of economics.
—Corey Robin, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in the abstract
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in the abstract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near in the abstract
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“In the abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20abstract. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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