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
Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Why does the United States care about things like these abstract terms like the international system or alliances?
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
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
James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
He himself is abstracted, thinking about the second lead.
—Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Adjective
In contrast, more abstract murals with bold colors instantly lift the mood and energize a space.
—Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 20 Feb. 2026
Why does the United States care about things like these abstract terms like the international system or alliances?
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
For example, florals paired with subtle geometrics, or landscapes with tonal abstracts.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
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
Verb
The personal, human impact is gruesome, and always worth re-centering when things get abstracted into statistics and profits.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
He himself is abstracted, thinking about the second lead.
—Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
-
Earlier theoretical work showed that combining spatial mode sorting with long-baseline interferometry could reach the true quantum limit for resolving two stars.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The firm’s Chapter 11 practice is intentionally selective, focusing on cases with realistic paths to confirmation rather than theoretical restructuring plans.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
While the lengthy interviews with Yo are gentle and tasteful (including scenes of her in the nude), the movie’s editing in more impressionistic scenes takes on the same semi-abstract qualities as Fitch’s representations, which seem to live halfway between the material and the emotional.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2026
-
From a distance, the ritual might seem mysterious—an impressionistic scene of fleshy, wading creatures at a watering hole.—
Rick Jordan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Structure information summary Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by Miami Herald journalists.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
So, part of what is lost is the physical manifestation of these longer histories and heritages.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
-
This downtown store with genderless clothing, jewelry, ceramics, bags, and hats is the manifestation of René Holguin, a Ralph Lauren alum.—
Jason Sheeler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But the table is so congested that putting any kind of winning run together could make a real difference while the teams above them are distracted by European commitments.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Now that citizens can stare dumbfounded into the same distracting bright lights (and gambling gateways) via ever-present screens, the whole of the United States has essentially transformed into the hellscape once confined to Nevada’s southern tip.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There is no need to summarize the report.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Goldberg said, summarizing why her name appears alongside Behar's in the documents.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The general thrust of the changes were to de-melodramatize Salieri’s action and to focus more attention on his guilt and metaphysical torment.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
But, after Hume, liberals came increasingly to find even the barest invocation of metaphysical principles to be an embarrassment.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Inspired by Mediterranean pieces, this coverlet is styled best with terra-cotta floors, a humble wood side table, and a small impressionist painting above a four-poster bed.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The iconic work, part of the museum’s large collection of French impressionist paintings, fueled her imagination — and later, a love affair with Paris.—
Jake Kring-Schreifels,
Washington Post,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
