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
On July 5, an inside source revealed one surprising detail about Swift and Kelce's wedding ceremony that reportedly left the groom in tears. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026 China, the world's top crude importer, has not been particularly enthusiastic about purchasing Iranian oil, despite traditionally being the main buyer of the country's energy. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Adverb
On June 27, Martha Irene Van Egmond, 83, died in Bolton, a small town about 200 miles north of New Orleans. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Gobao also claims the X1P's 500-Wh and 750-Wh batteries can charge up to 80% in about half an hour, using a 30-A charging power from the company. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 5 July 2026
Adjective
The annual John Muir Mountain Day Camp is about to have its first session of the year, July 20-24, for children ages 7-12, and there are scholarships available. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 United States Secret Service had to re-screen individuals who were evacuated due to the severe weather that rolled into the DC area as the Freedom 250 celebration was about to start. — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about
  1. on
  2. around
  3. throughout
  4. back
  5. almost
  6. approximately
  7. everywhere
  8. aware
Preposition
  • Before the World Cup, Dioz provided employee uniforms for events including Super Bowl LIX and Copa America, which may have given it a leg up on the FIFA contact.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Fox News Digital has reached out to the University of Minnesota research team for comment on the matter.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of on
Preposition
  • The majority of these strikes happen during the summer, causing around 20 fatalities each year, according to the NWS.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • There was a casual feel in Memorial Auditorium in the hour before game time, as children kicked a ball around on the auditorium’s sloping floor.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of around
Preposition
  • New reads abound for your vacation tote throughout the weeks of July, with fiction picks featuring a Carnival cruise casualty, a highly entertaining jewel heist at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a Soviet-era madcap adventure.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The sumptuous design extends throughout the property, from the dining room, adorned with Murano glass chandeliers and wall sconces, to the moody bar and lounge with its fine wood paneling and custom ironwork.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
Definition of throughout
Adverb
  • Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
  • Now back in King’s Landing, Corlys is distracted at best, meeting with Rhaenyra’s small council to address the crown’s nonexistent funds — the latest on a long list of problems that need solving for the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of back
Adverb
  • Mediators of the deal, led by Pakistan and Qatar, will almost certainly now be hurriedly trying to get the agreement back on the rails.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • In fact, the idea of splitting atoms for propulsion and power was being seriously considered almost as soon as the first atomic explosions were made public.
    — David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Definition of almost
Adverb
  • Set on nearly three acres, the approximately 6,100-square-foot residence featured six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, along with a semicircular living room, marble floors, and lush grounds anchored by a pool and loggia.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
  • From July 2025 to now, this number fell to approximately 5% of export sales, or about 1,000 cases.
    — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of approximately
Adverb
  • The retro ensemble caught the attention of fans and press everywhere.
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Pull-on pants are everywhere this summer, offering a welcome alternative to uncomfortable, constrictive options.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 July 2026
Definition of everywhere
Adjective
  • Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • City officials were made aware of the potential dangers the fireworks were posing for the departing and arriving flights.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 5 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of about for Spanish Speakers

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