abstract 1 of 3

Definition of abstractnext

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
The cost of inaction is not abstract. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 These are not abstract questions. Nicole Hockley, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
The findings suggest that DNP peptides could serve as flexible, adaptable platforms for delivering large-molecule drugs by mouth, the authors concluded in the study abstract. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 20 Mar. 2026 Some were sort of abstract, but there was always a hint of character and situation. Lauren Kane, The New York Review of Books, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
Williams abstracts those qualities. Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026 And the Cubists picked up on that in the twentieth century and abstracted from his landscapes, making pure Cubist constructions in which the optical space on the canvas—very similar to Cezanne’s—was composed of little abstract blocks. Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract
Adjective
  • Artificial Intelligence has evolved from a theoretical concept to a prevailing element of daily life.
    Kemba Walden, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Some of the capacities cited may also represent theoretical potential or systems that are not consistently operating at full scale.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • With a blend of atmospheric beatmaking, gauzy harmonies, and impressionistic songwriting, Quiet Light’s music casts a distinct spell, like stumbling upon Imogen Heap in a forest clearing or imagining a Taylor Swift album produced by Harold Budd.
    Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
    Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Structure information summary Most structures in this region are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This entry further defines community radio and then discusses its origins and its manifestations throughout the world.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In Cavarocchi’s practice, womanhood is seen as a manifestation of nature, with landscapes playing a role in healing trauma and reflecting cyclical rhythms of regeneration.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This white chocolate bar is creamy and ultra-sweet, and the great minds at TJ’s were smart to distract from the one-note flavor with crunchy little cookie crumbles.
    Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The curators supply a historical backdrop, therefore, but discreetly, and without distracting us from Wright’s poetic originality.
    Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That makes Dispatch useful for reviewing different proposals, comparing contracts, or summarizing research.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • 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, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The exhibition embraces contradiction, images that are grotesque and sacred, humorous and terrifying, physical and metaphysical.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Glenn Turner Turner is a leftist Oakland activist who retired after running a metaphysical and pagan shop for 30 years.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace appears like a post-impressionist vision, its beige crown backdropped by the freckled green of the Maniyagarh hills.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Her favorite is the impressionist Musée d'Orsay, which is undergoing renovation through summer 2028 but remains open.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstract. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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