ABSTRACT Synonyms: 191 Similar and Opposite Words

abstract 1 of 3

adjective

ab-ˈstrakt

as in theoretic

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

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Relevance

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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

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abstract

2 of 3

noun

ˈab-ˌstrakt

as in summary

a short statement of the main points the scientist wrote a bare-bones abstract of his research and conclusions

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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

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abstract

3 of 3

verb

ab-ˈstrakt

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

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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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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

Miller has a genuine affection for Surrealism, Dadaism and other abstract art/performance movements. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2025 Exploring new techniques and tactile fabrications that emulate raw materials like steel, glass and leather — the Fall collection sees sculptural silhouettes crafted in glossy oil slick vinyls, iridescent silks, metallic lamé and intricate abstract embroideries that emulate tire tracks. —

Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2025

Noun

This genre embodies the essence of classic jazz, modernist blues, and funky hip-hop, infused with themes related to Black diaspora, with a magnetic reach that appealed to consumers of the abstract. —

Ime Ekpo, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 In yet another scenario, a scientific abstract that’s detected as AI may require revisions from the author before publication. —

Jonathan Gillham, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Verb

Even abstracting from the question of tariff avoidance, there is no denying the unsettling Mexican dependence on China trade. —

Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 There’s very little Dial that is not abstracting and reflecting on one issue after another. —

Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abstract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstract

Adjective

His work is instantly recognizable, with vibrant, impressionistic swirls of purple, orange, green and red.

— John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2025
One of the things that really surprised me in getting away from that photorealism that we were locked into for such a long time, and getting into this painterly, more impressionistic look that extended from the backgrounds to the characters themselves, was the overall effect was more believable.

— Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025