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
Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Jan. 2026
For businesses operating across borders, the rule of law is not an abstract principle.
—Maria Mendiluce, Time, 30 Jan. 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
The threat is abstract, the benefit invisible.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 31 Jan. 2026
For businesses operating across borders, the rule of law is not an abstract principle.
—Maria Mendiluce, Time, 30 Jan. 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
-
As with every cycle, some schools will benefit more than others from district realignment, but Carter said getting too wrapped up in theoretical scenarios doesn’t serve much purpose.—
Colby Gordon,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Originally, this was a great mystery, as cosmic rays were known to be composed almost exclusively of protons, and the theoretical limit on a proton that traveled through intergalactic space should forbid such excessively high energies.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Jan. 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
-
You are presented with the transcript, a summary, bullet points and even a mind map of the discussion in a default template.—
Dwight Silverman,
Houston Chronicle,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Yale’s own top-line summary on average effective tariff didn’t quite translate.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Antetokounmpo is the manifestation of the second timeline the Warriors have chased for years.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
30 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
-
Use it to summarize lecture notes.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The department said in a statement that most of the incidents summarized in the report took place more than three years ago.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
3 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 8 Feb. 2026.
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