about 1 of 3

1
2
as in around
close to about the hedge there was a picket fence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in throughout
in random positions within the boundaries of sparrows hopping about the lawn near the bird feeder

Synonyms & Similar Words

about

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in round
on all sides or in every direction people standing about waiting for a salesclerk to assist them

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in everywhere
in one place and another his garage was a dirty, cluttered place with various tools and engine parts just lying about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

about

3 of 3

adjective

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 about
Preposition
The Barracuda goes over the edge, and there’s a Thelma & Louise-style freeze-frame implying that hero and villain are about to plummet to their deaths. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025 When Muñoz was about to throw a slider, the Yankees baserunners would wave their arm in a circle. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adverb
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese hasn't been shy about her feelings toward the ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and its players regarding player salaries. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 July 2025 Studios typically release a movie digitally about 45 to 65 days after its theatrical premiere, though the timing can also vary based on its box office performance. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
From 2002 to 2024, Brazil lost about 33.5 million hectares of primary forest, 47% of its total tree cover loss. Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 Nationally, about $4 billion annually is returned by all 50 states to the rightful owners as the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators says that one in every seven Americans is owed money. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • Our current favorite pairs include a few riffs on those flats from The Row—but thanks to the recent creative renaissance around jellies, there are so many more options to discover.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • At the 2025 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, the company shared that roughly half of its subscribers — that's over 150 million households, or around 300 million people — are watching anime consistently.
    Allison DeGrushe Published, EW.com, 14 July 2025
Preposition
  • Special deals and discounts will be available throughout the week between these two dates.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
  • Osbourne performed multiple times in Kentucky throughout his career, including stops at Rupp Arena, Cardinal Stadium and Freedom Hall.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 23 July 2025
Adverb
  • By 2022, Leon said a nationwide change pushed back on criminally charging minors for repeat violations of ordinances that aren't against the law for adults.
    David Ferrara, The Enquirer, 25 July 2025
  • To expand Raptor Ranch and bring Bedrock City roaring back to life with playful attractions for all ages, because some childhood memories are just too good to stay extinct.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Adverb
  • Pros: No break-in period; breathable; easy to style Cons: Some colorways are usually out of stock Reebok knows how to marry functionality and style, and the Club C 85s are the epitome of a classic, comfy shoe that can be worn with almost anything.
    April Benshosan, Glamour, 14 July 2025
  • When Palmer Luckey began tinkering in a camper in his parents’ driveway, the kind of rapid innovation that is flourishing in Ukraine was almost unthinkable in the American defense establishment.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adverb
  • The approximately 1-mile East Market Streetscape extends from Brook Street to Baxter Avenue.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • Don’t be deterred by the logistics of getting here: The hotel now runs its own private-jet service from Johannesburg, an approximately four-hour jaunt on a Learjet 45.
    Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 28 July 2025
Adverb
  • Tuition is everywhere the leading source for universities of unrestricted revenue.
    Clifford Ando, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The basket went everywhere Jane did; from the grocery store to the red carpet at Cannes, Birkin’s basket was a whole thing.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Young musicians coming out of music schools should be aware of all the other kinds of music, and should be able to play those other types of music, because 95 percent of them will not play in symphony orchestras or as soloists.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“About.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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