Synonyms for
Abstract
Definition
existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
Synonyms & similar words
sneak
precis
outline
cabbage
nobble
lift
synopsis
filch
abstractionist
pinch
hook
concrete
nonfigurative
purloin
snarf
nonobjective
abstraction
pilfer
swipe
theoretical
conceptual
notional
intellectual
philosophical
hypothetical
abstruse
esoteric
metaphysical
spiritual
nonrepresentational
immaterial
intangible
nonfigurative
nonrealistic
nonobjective
ideal
imaginative
fanciful
dreamlike
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- abstract art
- abstract thinking
- abstract concept
- abstract noun
- abstract idea
- abstract knowledge
- abstract form
Word family
Usage note
As an adjective, 'abstract' often contrasts with 'concrete'. As a verb, it means to extract or summarize, often used in academic contexts like 'to abstract data'.
Example sentences
- The painting was abstract and didn't resemble anything in real life.
- She had a hard time understanding the abstract concepts in the philosophy class.
- His thoughts were too abstract for the average person to comprehend.
- The artist chose to use abstract shapes and colors in her artwork.
- The company's mission statement was written in very abstract terms.
Quotes
'Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes.' - Arshile Gorky
'Abstraction is real, probably more real than nature.' - Josef Albers
'Abstraction is the freedom of man's mind from the tyranny of objects.' - Kazimir Malevich