as in idea
something imagined or pictured in the mind
to a people who have lived under one dictatorship after another, democracy and freedom are mere abstractions
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstraction
The families in these shelters are not abstractions in a policy debate.
—
Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
And while abstraction can sometimes feel intimidating, Ahlberg Yohe says this show invites visitors to trust their instincts, focusing on connection and calm.
—Derek James, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
This led to basic abstractions like the body and the circle, the body and the square, constructivist garments in which the body becomes a tube, and finally square and circular cutaways in the dresses.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 27 Feb. 2026
What was really helpful is that Whitney Halberstram is such an abstraction, right?
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
And while abstraction can sometimes feel intimidating, Ahlberg Yohe says this show invites visitors to trust their instincts, focusing on connection and calm.
—Derek James, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
This led to basic abstractions like the body and the circle, the body and the square, constructivist garments in which the body becomes a tube, and finally square and circular cutaways in the dresses.
—Theo Belci, Artforum, 27 Feb. 2026
What was really helpful is that Whitney Halberstram is such an abstraction, right?
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstraction
Noun
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If a chat turns noisy, start by naming your priority, then direct the proceedings confidently while leaving room for others’ ideas.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
14 Mar. 2026
-
An idea could be forming despite unbelievers.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Promenade in Brea are smaller examples of the town center concept that dates to the early 1990s, after the success of Reston Town Center in Virginia.—
Roger Vincent,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Willard’s main slogan, one yet to adorn a T-shirt, blends two sometimes opposing concepts into six simple words.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The pattern illustrated his grand conception of the sequoia life cycle.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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Based on Israel's Iron Dome in conception, its purpose is to defend the United States from air and missile attacks through a layered system of sensors and interceptors capable of covering the entire continental US.—
David Szondy
March 12,
New Atlas,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those were moments that created an appreciation for the notion of Heat Family.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
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Trump even floated the notion, as reported in the Daily News and elsewhere, that funding would be restored if Democratic lawmakers threw their support behind naming New York City’s Penn Station or Washington’s Dulles International Airport after the president.—
Evan Simko-Bednarski,
New York Daily News,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The plaintiff, identified as KGM in documents or Kaley, as her lawyers have called her during the trial, says her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Mar. 2026
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How would clinicians safely prescribe substances that change our perceptions, thoughts, and moods?—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Externally, the Broncos’ lack of activity gives the impression of an organization that is relying fully on its Payton-era foundation for a Super Bowl leap, for better or for worse.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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His performances reflect a unique perspective, a vision that goes beyond the notes on the page, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstraction. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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