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

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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
Harris Beach State Park, Oregon Beaches in the Pacific Northwest are less about idyllic lulls in the sand and instead emphasize the dramatic landscapes that make the region so well-loved by nature enthusiasts. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 Apr. 2025 In March, Hegseth shared details about action against Houthi targets in Yemen in a Signal chat with top White House officials that accidentally included a journalist. Tom Bowman, NPR, 21 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Officers were able to squeeze the animal’s head free from the grate after about 20 minutes, police said. Don Sweeney, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025 All four crash victims were from Menominee, Wisconsin, about 45 miles northwest of Green Bay, according to the State Police. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Shooting stars are about to streak across the night sky during the impending peak of the second major meteor shower of the year, which will be visible around the world. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Liliane heard noises and feared someone was about to break in. Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about
Preposition
  • 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
  • Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88 years old, is due to be laid to rest in the days ahead following a Saturday funeral service sure to draw leaders from around the world.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • By the end of its staffing reduction, the IRS could lose 40 percent of its workforce, going from a staff size of around 100,000 employees down to 60,000, according to a report by the Federal News Network.
    Tobias Burns, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • Just not as many miles on the body throughout the year.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Both are needed throughout your birthing experience.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Suddenly, the scoreboard told a different story — and Charlotte never gave the lead back.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Johan Rojas, who hit 3 for 5 out of the nine-hole, was effective at turning the lineup back over to Bryson Stott (3 for 5, three RBI) and Trea Turner (4 for 5, two RBI), who combined for seven hits and five RBI.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Meanwhile, the British pound gained almost 0.3% against the greenback to trade at $1.341, and the Swiss franc was 0.1% higher.
    Ganesh Rao,Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Seven days of hell and three consecutive defeats later, Chris Wilder’s side went from being in the driving seat of the automatic promotion race to almost out of it.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • The dinner announcement comes a week after approximately 40 million Trump meme coins were unlocked to investors.
    Elaine Mallon, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Lauren Blackburn, 23, was last seen on Saturday, April 19, at approximately 6 p.m. local time, according to a Tiger Alert emailed to students on Tuesday, April 22.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • From New York to Hollywood and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to Comments Stars have been everywhere this week, from Addison Rae performing at Coachella in California to Priscilla Presley at a screening near Los Angeles.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The populist strain of nationalism that Francis has prophetically warned against is seemingly everywhere.
    Jason Horowitz, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Health professionals were aware of it, but no one from the public opinion, no one.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Pope Francis was said to be alert and aware throughout the health episodes and occasionally posted messages on X, acknowledging the good wishes sent his way.
    Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“About.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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