1
as in theoretical
dealing with or expressing a quality or idea
the book deals with abstract matters such as honesty and integrity on the job as well as practical subjects such as asking for a raise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in impressionistic
using elements of form (as color, line, or texture) with little or no attempt at creating a realistic picture
Cubism is a style of abstract art in which natural forms are broken up into geometric shapes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
the scientist wrote a bare-bones abstract of his research and conclusions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality)
a recent college valedictorian who's been hailed as the very abstract of what's right with today's young people
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to distract
to draw the attention or mind to something else
personal problems abstracted him so persistently that he struggled to keep his mind on his work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to summarize
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
took the 135-page report and abstracted it in three short paragraphs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstract
Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Gaypalani Waṉambi won the AU$50,000 Wynne Prize, given annually for a landscape painting or figurative sculpture depicting Australian scenery, for The Waṉambi tree, an abstract spray-paint-on-steel work.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 May 2026
Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Some are abstracts, simple and colorful design that stand out brightly from the more complex or realistic pieces.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
And the Cubists picked up on that in the twentieth century and abstracted from his landscapes, making pure Cubist constructions in which the optical space on the canvas—very similar to Cezanne’s—was composed of little abstract blocks.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Adjective
Malissa Mabey Photo Such an esoteric directive might’ve deterred some designers, but Julia Miller of the AD PRO Directory firm Yond Interiors was thrilled to synthesize Henkemeyer’s highly specific (and yet abstract) ideas into a tangible home.
—Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Gaypalani Waṉambi won the AU$50,000 Wynne Prize, given annually for a landscape painting or figurative sculpture depicting Australian scenery, for The Waṉambi tree, an abstract spray-paint-on-steel work.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 May 2026
Noun
Upstairs, the 49 rooms channel Arts and Crafts style with botanical fabrics, jade-green onyx bathrooms, and a strong showing of Texas artists, including Howard Sherman, whose large-scale abstracts anchor the walls.
—Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Some are abstracts, simple and colorful design that stand out brightly from the more complex or realistic pieces.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026
Verb
Williams abstracts those qualities.
—Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
And the Cubists picked up on that in the twentieth century and abstracted from his landscapes, making pure Cubist constructions in which the optical space on the canvas—very similar to Cezanne’s—was composed of little abstract blocks.
—Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
-
These proposals rely heavily on theoretical risk models, selective interpretation of data and precautionary assumptions rather than demonstrated real-world patterns of harm sufficient to justify criminalization.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
-
This entry introduces the concept of media dependency through one of the most influential theories, the media dependency system model, and its relation to other theoretical frameworks such as uses and gratifications theory and the power dependency model.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Romvari’s film binds together impressionistic recollections from Jeremy’s 8-year-old sister Sasha (Eylul Guven).—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
-
With a blend of atmospheric beatmaking, gauzy harmonies, and impressionistic songwriting, Quiet Light’s music casts a distinct spell, like stumbling upon Imogen Heap in a forest clearing or imagining a Taylor Swift album produced by Harold Budd.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
9 May 2026
-
Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
In the face of shooting and shooting-up deaths, if permanent gates — which are, after all, only a physical manifestation of the existing curfew — will deter mischief and malfeasance post-midnight, then my vote is to lock it up.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
-
Examples include his pioneering insights on the dispersal of seeds, his anticipation of Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection and his study of the seasonal manifestations of natural phenomena, such as plants’ flowering times and bird migrations.—
Robert M. Thorson,
The Conversation,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
But during the aufguss ceremony at BASIN Glacial Waters, people smiled and laughed and swayed to the music, and Kyan’s dance-like towel moves distracted me from the discomfort of the heat.—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
-
Inside an intimate pub, however, filling out the scene with empty tables could distract from the hurried, nervous nature of the filmmaker’s original intent.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Here’s the five-day forecast for Broward and Palm Beach counties, summarized by AI based on information from the National Weather Service.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
11 May 2026
-
The Vatican working group report summarized the work of experts studying controversial topics that emerged after Francis’ yearslong reform effort.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Mercifully, those connections are not forged across time and space; all three stories remain discrete, never approaching a moment of grandiose metaphysical convergence.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
-
Conversations might turn to metaphysical issues or charitable activities.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
Don't miss the renowned impressionist collection with paintings by Monet and van Gogh.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace appears like a post-impressionist vision, its beige crown backdropped by the freckled green of the Maniyagarh hills.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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