abstraction

noun

ab-ˈstrak-shən How to pronounce abstraction (audio)
Definition of abstractionnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 abstraction If your tests need updating every time a developer touches the UI, they're coupled to the wrong abstraction. — Asad Khan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Yet American students and scholars flocked in droves to theory, perceiving in its recondite abstractions a thrilling new way of understanding the world—even, some believed, of changing it. — Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026 The exhibition explores how American abstraction became one of the nation’s most influential contributions to art history. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 His paintings and sculptures are known for their use of biomorphic forms, with his canvases employing an all-over approach to abstraction. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstraction
  1. idea
  2. concept
  3. conception
  4. notion
  5. thought
  6. impression
Noun
  • When families have a little more breathing room, and when businesses are free to invest in new equipment, new ideas, and new jobs, good things tend to happen.
    — Kent Strang, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
  • They are built on years of investment in innovative science, collaboration among researchers and the willingness to fund bold ideas before success is certain.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of idea
Noun
  • Summerland Cafe is the first concept to open at the farmers market, which will have a variety of stalls featuring local growers, butchers and other food businesses once it debuts.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • The rock concept is a fresh context for her work with Cook and Keane that still feels of a piece in its springy momentum, bright yet sour melodies, and the way even the heavy reverb seems to fly through clear air.
    — Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 24 July 2026
Definition of concept
Noun
  • Fertility is a particularly vulnerable aspect of health, and people are often eager to try whatever offers a better chance at conception and a healthy pregnancy, Kawwass said.
    — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Decatur said the exhibition’s curators had always intended to showcase the Larry O’Brien Trophy and had even contacted the NBA two years ago, during the show’s conception, about acquiring it temporarily.
    — Tessa Solomon for ARTnews, Robb Report, 24 July 2026
Definition of conception
Noun
  • This followed a common scholarly notion that Maya hieroglyphics were not tied to spoken language.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 July 2026
  • Hawk repeatedly challenged the notion that success represents a destination.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of notion
Noun
  • Nonetheless, the visitor fills his head with thoughts of adventure, and the many things Baldur has never seen — neither a tree or a mountain, for starters.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 July 2026
  • Her father, who died unexpectedly in 2023, was never far from her thoughts, either.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of thought
Noun
  • Liverpool Kevin Keegan’s first meeting with legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly left a lasting impression.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Slawon’s first impression was polarizing in that his shots weren’t falling, but every other aspect of the game went well.
    — Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of impression

Browse Nearby Words

abstracting
abstraction
abstractions
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Cite this Entry

“Abstraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstraction. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abstraction

Nglish: Translation of abstraction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abstraction

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