ABC Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

ABC

noun

ˌā-(ˌ)bē-ˈsē

Definition of ABC

as in principles

usually ABC's or ABCs plural general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based a book on the ABCs of computer usage

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for ABC

Noun

Let’s hope Newcastle are not deep in the manosphere, but rather fans of the Greek alphabet — of which alpha is the first letter.

— Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Divya Lagisetti and Holden Prosser are lucky that their last names rest close to each other in the alphabet.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of alphabet

Noun

The charging instrument, known as an information, omits references to the specific acts that the state alleges are the basis for the disruption offense, the attorney, Tiffany Burks, wrote in the motion that was filed on Wednesday.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
Perrin recently curated a traveling Renoir exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay, the institution that also lent on a long-term basis all four of the paintings that were stolen from the Renoir Museum in southern France.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of basis

Noun

Cantonese uses different grammar than Mandarin, as well as different vocabulary, particularly in the city of Hong Kong, where speakers often switch between English and Cantonese words, sometimes in the same sentence.

— Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
No deleting, rereading, correcting grammar, or performing intelligence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of grammar

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.

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“ABC.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ABC. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ABC

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