Synonyms for

Abstraction

Verb / æˈbstrækʃʌn / Another word for abstraction — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Abstraction is the act of thinking about something in a theoretical way, instead of thinking about particular things.

Synonyms & similar words

abstract abstractentity generalization generalisation abstractedness concept idea thought notion generalization abridgment summary digest outline reduction distillation essence extract simplification condensation symbolism metaphor allegory representation image

Synonyms by register

Formal

generalization concept idealization simplification

Informal

gist essence big picture summary

Literary

etherealness ideal essence

Antonyms

concreteness reality specificity tangibility actuality immediacy

Common collocations

  • level of abstraction
  • high abstraction
  • low abstraction
  • abstraction layer
  • abstraction principle
  • abstraction mechanism
  • abstraction of data
  • concept of abstraction

Word family

noun abstraction
verb abstract
adjective abstract

Usage note

Abstraction refers to the process of removing detail or complexity to focus on essential qualities. It is often used in technical and philosophical contexts.

Example sentences

  1. Abstraction is used in art to create a unique perspective.
  2. Mathematics often involves abstraction to solve problems.
  3. The philosopher's theories were based on abstraction.
  4. Some people find it difficult to understand abstract concepts.
  5. An abstraction of the data was presented in the report.

Quotes

  • 'Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot physically see with his eyes... Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas.' - Arshile Gorky
  • 'Abstraction is real, probably more real than nature. I prefer to see with closed eyes.' - Josef Albers
  • 'Abstraction is not a style, it is a way of thinking. When you look at abstract art, you are not looking at an interpretation of reality, but the reality of the interpretation.' - Robert Motherwell

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words