as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind
to a people who have lived under one dictatorship after another, democracy and freedom are mere abstractions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of abstraction
Highlights from the Shah Garg Collection that will be exhibited include early abstraction by Janet Sobel and Judy Chicago, textile work from Faith Ringgold and Sheila Hicks, and innovative mixed media by Christina Quarles, Tschabalala Self, and Anicka Yi.
—
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
This exhibition showcases her visual language that intertwines elements of abstraction with storytelling, creating a playful yet profound commentary on themes of identity, nature and urban life.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
The issue is that if the impulses behind these choices are recognizable in theory, the characters themselves are broad to the point of abstraction.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
This character development does not really land, however, and Mersault becomes increasingly hazy, disappearing into a cloud of abstraction in the third act.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
This exhibition showcases her visual language that intertwines elements of abstraction with storytelling, creating a playful yet profound commentary on themes of identity, nature and urban life.
—Amy Carleton, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025
The issue is that if the impulses behind these choices are recognizable in theory, the characters themselves are broad to the point of abstraction.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
This character development does not really land, however, and Mersault becomes increasingly hazy, disappearing into a cloud of abstraction in the third act.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstraction
Noun
-
Find step-by-step guidance for launching your first business, from testing your idea to growing your revenue.—
Ryan Ermey,
CNBC,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The First Amendment protects that exchange of ideas and no president’s directive, governor’s diktat, or chancellor’s command can override the Constitution.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But in the summer of 2023, when Fedorov first suggested his system of gamification, top military brass rejected the concept.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
24 Sep. 2025
-
An open-concept kitchen and main living area have light wood floors, bright white walls contrasting with a dark tile backsplash that carries over into a wet bar with a wine cooler.—
Molly Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their bond is extraordinary—almost like being able to touch, feed, and nurture your own embryo just 30 days after conception.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
When Einstein first cooked up the general theory of relativity, our conception of gravity forever shifted from the prevailing notion of Newtonian gravity.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In addition, data showed those who switched to self-employment had previously earned more than peers who were paid employees, contrasting with notions that they were pushed into starting their own business.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The notion that vaccines cause autism was born out of a fraudulent 1998 study, hypothesizing that the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine caused intestinal inflammation, which, in turn, led to the development of autism.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The group said Tennessee's youth ranked 42nd in the country for mental health issues in a study that tracked 15 health criteria from substance abuse to thoughts of suicide.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
28 Sep. 2025
-
From wheat farmers in Washington state to Forest Service workers in Montana to business leaders in Mississippi, average Americans offer their thoughts on where the country is headed.—
September 28,
NPR,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some fans got the impression that Hurts took over the play calls from first-year offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Just one or two sprays are enough to leave a lasting impression with longevity and sillage that envelops without overpowering.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstraction. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share