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
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 abstract
Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
The show’s title work, Heap of Broken Images, built up from a staggering number of polygons, is something of a bridge between the abstract and figurative collages.
—Benjamin Lima
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Josh Rottenberg, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
Under it lies a mosaic by the London School of Mosaic reimagining Penhaligon’s insignia, and abstracts of a scent leaving the store.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Affecting meaningful change — or suffering from the lack of it — has become so abstracted for the rich and powerful that everything feels like entertainment to them.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Adjective
Impacciatore, squeezed into a skin-tight Power Rangers suit, performed an entire clowning routine where she’s accosted by abstract embodiments of various winter sports throughout history.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
The show’s title work, Heap of Broken Images, built up from a staggering number of polygons, is something of a bridge between the abstract and figurative collages.
—Benjamin Lima
special Contributor, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
Those questions — about control, consent and what survives a person — moved from the abstract to the practical last month at Hollywood X on the Fox lot.
—Josh Rottenberg, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
Under it lies a mosaic by the London School of Mosaic reimagining Penhaligon’s insignia, and abstracts of a scent leaving the store.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
He himself is abstracted, thinking about the second lead.
—Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Affecting meaningful change — or suffering from the lack of it — has become so abstracted for the rich and powerful that everything feels like entertainment to them.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
-
Palmer’s goal from open play, which involved theoretical No 10 Fernandez carrying the ball out wide, full-back Cucurella underlapping him, and Palmer finishing in the box, summed that up.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The partnership is shifting from theoretical research to the project development phase, with a focus on delivering a 50 MW commercial pilot.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Unmoored from tradition and offering only vague, impressionistic lyrics, Granli’s quavering performances on Rosacea become Rorschach tests, ripe for free association with whatever images your psyche can dredge up.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Yet an outstanding cast, scripts that are perceptive about grief and remorse, and Hennie’s impressionistic directing more than make up for it.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After the Justice Department shut the door on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files in July 2025, FBI agents worked on drafts of a 21-page presentation of all the evidence the FBI had gathered in the case, including a summary of allegations against 11 men.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The 18-year-old was also charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor and summary charges of harassment and disorderly conduct.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But on Monday, the French pharma firm reported that clinical trial results showed its experimental oral drug venglustat improved the neurological manifestations of what’s known as type 3 Gaucher disease, which can include poor muscle coordination and cognitive issues.—
Andrew Joseph,
STAT,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Eventually there will be a physical manifestation of the Hall, a building somewhere with plaques and memorabilia and exhibits honoring the rich history of sports in Southern California, but that will be at the back end.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Of course, any intense media scrutiny risks being distracting, especially when it is not directly related to the work of the foundation.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Even if she’s never found criminally liable, this case is almost certain to distract her from her duties.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mo Dakhil, a former video coordinator for the Spurs and Clippers, summarized that discontent in an appearance on Zach Lowe’s podcast this week.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Miami Herald was the first to report the FBI 302 document, which summarizes the interview.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Suffice to say that Zi’s condition may not be a physical issue or even a mental one but, rather, a metaphysical state.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Breaking down such a layered metaphysical concept with the relatively few words left in this review would be a fool’s errand, but suffice it to say that all of the math miraculously checks out.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The resulting rich visual swirl of colors and shapes looks like a dynamic impressionist painting.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Photograph by Evelyn Freja A stroke of inspiration led the boundary-pushing vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater to pair up with the impressionist pianist Bill Charlap.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
