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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstract
George F. Will, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026
What was abstract became real—and with the Summit, that’s a pattern.
—Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
On the flipside, more intricate patterns, like lace or leopard, may seem maximalist in spirit, but scaling them down or making the design more abstract can tone things down.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Anthropic’s bottom-up strategy differs by starting with a capable coding agent and abstracting its functionality for broader audiences rather than retrofitting assistant capabilities onto an existing platform.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Adjective
Stomach-turning excesses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have turned many Americans’ abstract political preference into something uncomfortably concrete.
—George F. Will, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026
What was abstract became real—and with the Summit, that’s a pattern.
—Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Within this abstract, scientists can describe their findings, the impact of their findings, and the limitations of the work.
—Kirstin R.w. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
On the flipside, more intricate patterns, like lace or leopard, may seem maximalist in spirit, but scaling them down or making the design more abstract can tone things down.
—Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
While Anderson’s clothes will undoubtedly entice a younger couture buyer, some of his silhouettes rely too much on skeleton-like structures that abstract the body, rather than working with it.
—CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026
Anthropic’s bottom-up strategy differs by starting with a capable coding agent and abstracting its functionality for broader audiences rather than retrofitting assistant capabilities onto an existing platform.
—Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
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For Jewish leaders, the threat is no longer theoretical.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Where previous editions treated AI with theoretical enthusiasm, this year’s market found practitioners speaking in more practical, and sometimes cautious, terms.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That lurid fable was followed by 2023’s Pictures of Ghosts, an impressionistic documentary that told the parallel stories of Mendonça Filho’s life in movies and Recife’s decaying cinemas.—
Michael Snyder,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The animation — hand-painting on canvas and glass render the hypnotic water effects — feels impressionistic, like a work of fine art come to life.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Create that profile or summary statement, frontload your strengths and best skills, write those descriptions of your best projects and achievements in jobs past, describe your volunteer and community work, share those hobbies and interests.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2026
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In an email correspondence, Alvarado also shared his own summary of the event and the nuanced topic of separating the actions of one individual from a larger movement.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There are a few different ways to interpret this most recent manifestation of the Administration’s talent for hypocrisy.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Perhaps some paper manifestations just in time for the year of the Fire Horse.—
Xuan Juliana Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Releasing an old video, which conveniently omits context, on their son’s birthday is a reprehensible attempt to distract from his own behavior.—
William Earl,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Here’s the five-day forecast for Broward and Palm Beach counties, summarized by AI based on information from the National Weather Service.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Mar. 2026
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After Parish fired upon Avila, the driver sped away but returned and passed by to see if Avila had been shot, according to the SUV occupant interviews summarized in the affidavit.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The movie addresses metaphysical questions such as the egregore of a generation, the nature of evil, and the search for God in times of His absence.—
PhotoVogue,
Vogue,
19 Mar. 2026
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The most fundamental consequences of being struck by lightning are often metaphysical, and not easily communicable.—
Jacob Stern,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Perched in the scenic hills above Los Angeles, The Getty Center focuses on European art from the Middle Ages through the early 20th century, and is packed with Italian Renaissance paintings, Dutch Golden Age art, and impressionist pieces.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
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Guests will include Wyclef Jean and Andra Day with the music, while comedian and impressionist Matt Friend will report for the show from the red carpet.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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