abstract 1 of 3

abstract

2 of 3

noun

abstract

3 of 3

verb

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

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
Adjective
This will provide the maximum amount of time for Europe to adjust without the deadline becoming so abstract that momentum dissipates. Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 23 July 2025 Advertisement In an abstract perspective, this makes thematic sense. Andy Crump, Time, 20 July 2025
Noun
Straus has authored over 85 refereed journal articles and many reports, abstracts/proceedings, popular articles and newsletters, in addition to mentoring several graduate students. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025 The study was presented as an abstract, but a more in-depth manuscript of the investigation will be submitted for peer review in the coming months, Mahdavi said. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Verb
Over time, more and more layers of software development were abstracted away, to the point where assembly code is barely even taught anymore. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 June 2025 Block’s integration will also abstract away backend complexity—converting and settling payments behind the scenes. Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
  • What’s remarkable about this light-footed film is its impressionistic, childlike vision of an African country on the verge of violence.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 21 July 2025
  • As if acknowledging the decidedly impressionistic quality of the translation, each of Emoji Dick’s lines of emoji was accompanied by the original text.
    Longreads, Longreads, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • Its analysis shows that searches with AI summaries reduce clicks, and their prevalence is increasing.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025
  • The event is expected to attract more than 1.2 million fans and tourists, according to an economic impact summary released by the NYNJ Host Committee—the local body organizing the games—Bloomberg reported.
    India Brown, Robb Report, 22 July 2025
Noun
  • The collecting of hair is, in short, a deeply unrelatable manifestation of deeply relatable emotions: love, grief, nostalgia, yearning.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025
  • While in police custody, Madelyn Cline's Danica Richards has a vision of Helen, who was memorably killed by the Fisherman in the 1997 movie, as a manifestation of her guilt.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • As the plant grows around it, the support becomes almost invisible and does not distract from the plant's beauty.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • This all, of course, was not to distract from the center of her makeup look: a matte red lip.
    Essence, Essence, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Rev's software currently offers AI models that can record, transcribe, take notes and summarize to aid legal professionals in their day-to-day jobs.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Instead of scrolling through links, users can now ask the agent to summarize articles, compare products or compile travel itineraries.
    Perry Carpenter, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • The theoretical ways drugs can affect heat tolerance are well-known, but there haven't been enough systematic analyses looking at how, and at what levels, and for whom drugs affect heat tolerance, says Yorgi Mavros, a heat expert at The University of Sydney.
    Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 30 July 2025
  • The doctrine of communication by conduct is not merely a theoretical construct.
    Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The Journal reported that Trump's note featured typewritten text surrounded by the outline of a naked woman, complete with Trump's signature below the woman's waist, which appeared to mimic pubic hair.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
  • Its edges are gently rounded, without the hard contrast-y outline of the macOS pointer.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Check out images of the iconic statue over the years.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Unlike the Soviets, who attempted to dictate public perceptions by manically managing the images of their exploits, NASA made the risky decision to allow its project to unfurl on live television.
    Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abstract

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!