abstracted 1 of 2

Definition of abstractednext

abstracted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of abstract

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abstracted distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of abstracted are absentminded, absent, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

In what contexts can absent take the place of abstracted?

Although the words absent and abstracted have much in common, absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When can absentminded be used instead of abstracted?

In some situations, the words absentminded and abstracted are roughly equivalent. However, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When would distracted be a good substitute for abstracted?

The words distracted and abstracted are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When could preoccupied be used to replace abstracted?

While the synonyms preoccupied and abstracted are close in meaning, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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 abstracted
Adjective
She’s partnered with The Vault on a one-of-one set that’s the epitome of her ethos, a style built on an abstracted lotus flower. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2026 Alongside shaping a freshly precise iteration of abstracted minimalism, the Meiers’s by-current-standards lengthy tenure at Jil Sander established them as the only married co-creative directors in luxury fashion. Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
War becomes abstracted into green and red numbers. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026 He himself is abstracted, thinking about the second lead. Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abstracted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstracted
Adjective
  • The property, which sits on three and a half acres in Wilton, Connecticut, had been owned for more than five decades by the president of a regional hosta society who was mostly preoccupied with the landscaping.
    Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 16 May 2026
  • Sometimes someone’s sullen or preoccupied or way too wound up.
    Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • With Cargill distracted, Ripley went on the offensive.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Before his interview with IndieWire can begin, Charles Melton becomes distracted by a wayward eyelash.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • For example, important context can be lost when spoken information is summarized too early instead of being retained in a verifiable form.
    Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • The investigation was summarized by officials with the Tampa police and released following a public records request.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • The Netflix series − inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno − diverted from the movie's plotline by killing Nick (Carell) in a car crash in Season 1.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
  • Northbound and westbound drivers will be diverted to State Route 166/Langford Parkway.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The company has outlined a goal of reaching a 15% operating margin by 2029, up from roughly 12% today, though Smith suggested there could be additional upside beyond that target.
    Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 1 June 2026
  • By then, analysts outlined how the NDAA’s provision to arm Iraq with equivalent systems could ultimately scupper any Kurdish acquisition, or at least delay it indefinitely.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abstracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstracted. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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