as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind
to a people who have lived under one dictatorship after another, democracy and freedom are mere abstractions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 abstraction
Project portfolio reporting is losing its foundation in science as prediction and measurement are replaced by sentiment, abstraction and AI.
—
Barry Cousins, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
This shifts leadership upward into a new layer of abstraction, where the job is less about assigning tasks and more about training agents and translating strategy into algorithms.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
His films reflect tension between extremes of physicality and of abstraction, between stories of a potentially grotesque carnality and images of rigorous design.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Long before Trump and his MAGA acolytes, Modi understood how the primal power of blood could be deployed against the delicate bloom of ideas and abstractions.
—Aatish Taseer, Time, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Barry Cousins, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
This shifts leadership upward into a new layer of abstraction, where the job is less about assigning tasks and more about training agents and translating strategy into algorithms.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
His films reflect tension between extremes of physicality and of abstraction, between stories of a potentially grotesque carnality and images of rigorous design.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Long before Trump and his MAGA acolytes, Modi understood how the primal power of blood could be deployed against the delicate bloom of ideas and abstractions.
—Aatish Taseer, Time, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstraction
Noun
-
The general idea is that Swift drops hints alluding to secret relationships and desires through song lyrics and social media posts.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Unleashed Creativity and Innovation: Subconscious fears act as restrictions upon creativity; without these, the mind may become fertile ground for innovative ideas and solutions.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
No less fortuitously, the concept can quickly be set aside.—
Jan Tumlir,
Artforum,
1 Sep. 2025
-
According to the psychological concept of behavioral activation, the right action can trigger motivation.—
Amanda Miller Littlejohn,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Adding condoms not only decreases your risk of conception but also adds protection against STIs.—
Jill Grimes,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Infinity has established itself in part due to its showcasing of the entire production pipeline, from conception to final cut.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The person familiar with India’s political ecosystem disputed the notion that Gor would be guaranteed to face extra scrutiny on the ground there for serving as special envoy and ambassador at the same time.—
Shelby Talcott,
semafor.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Kirby beautifully etches these notions into Miss Black America.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
What are your thoughts regarding that approach in general and also specifically on Oahu?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
-
What are your thoughts on the implications of the movie’s sexualizing gaze?—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Driving impressions The Sportage hybrid accelerates well from a standstill.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Just as diamonds are forever, so too are first impressions.—
Lilian Raji,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstraction. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share