about 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of aboutnext
1
as in regarding
having to do with a poignant story about a young man who goes off to war

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in around
close to about the hedge there was a picket fence

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in throughout
in random positions within the boundaries of sparrows hopping about the lawn near the bird feeder

Synonyms & Similar Words

about

2 of 3

adverb

ə-ˈbau̇t How to pronounce about (audio)
1
as in round
on all sides or in every direction people standing about waiting for a salesclerk to assist them

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in back
toward the opposite direction turned about and saw the dog following him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in almost
very close to but not completely about as many attendees as last year signed up for the conference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in approximately
close to but not exactly it's about a mile to the nearest gas station we're about ready to get started

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in everywhere
in one place and another his garage was a dirty, cluttered place with various tools and engine parts just lying about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

about

3 of 3

adjective

as in aware

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 about
Preposition
Tell me about your memories of filming those scenes and if there’s one Long Table scene that sticks out most for you. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026 In a statement released Friday, the NFL stated that an investigation concluded that Gold provided confidential information about the Cardinals’ 2026 NFL draft selections before they were publicly announced. — Doug Haller, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adverb
The plan, if approved by the EPA, would direct IDEM to create a permitting section with about nine to 13 staff members to address coal ash impoundment closure permit applications. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 Their vertebrae are much longer than ours, measuring about 10 inches each. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 18 July 2026
Adjective
James, 41, is set to leave a team in free agency for the fourth time in his career, which is about to extend to 24 seasons. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 17 July 2026 Year 5 of the build under Cristobal is about to fully get underway. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about
  1. regarding
  2. around
  3. throughout
  4. back
  5. almost
  6. approximately
  7. everywhere
  8. aware
Preposition
  • Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of regarding
Preposition
  • For some, this might have meant sitting in a compact defensive block to contain energy, while others rested on the ball, retaining possession and moving around the opposition.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • There is heavier context around this return than the Jake Paul result suggests.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • Argentina still trailed after 75 minutes, but Messi and his teammates were very much in the game and have shown throughout this World Cup that they cannot be counted out.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Iron is a building block for hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that is required for the production of the red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout our bodies.
    — Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 15 July 2026
Definition of throughout
Adverb
  • But as Melendrez turned to leave empty-handed, Chin looked up from behind the counter, smiled, and waved him back.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Argentina in then out of the World Cup then dramatically back in again.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • There is a confidence in Las Terrenas that feels almost flirtatious.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Iran’s new energy weapon Following the start of US- and Israeli-led attacks on February 28, Iran almost immediately declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, creating the largest oil supply shock in history.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of almost
Adverb
  • Filmed on special high-resolution IMAX film, Nolan spent approximately $3 million on 2 million feet of raw physical film stock on the nearly three-hour retelling of the ancient Greek poem.
    — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026
  • Snooz recommends enjoying the ice cream approximately 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, according to the brand’s website.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Definition of approximately
Adverb
  • Today it’s used everywhere, from therapy offices to corporate retreats to seminary classrooms—and, of course, all over your social media feed.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • For more on Matt Damon and The Odyssey, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, available everywhere Friday.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of everywhere
Adjective
  • The public is already well aware of the feud between Prince William and Prince Harry, but new reports indicate that William is now at odds with his father, King Charles.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 19 July 2026
  • Takami is aware that even a little extra work can completely change the landscape.
    — Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
Definition of aware

Phrases Containing about

Browse Nearby Words

abounds
about
about-face
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“About.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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