in the abstract
idiom
: without referring to a specific person, object, or event : in a general way
thinking about freedom in the abstract
Examples of in the abstract in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Rolling back government in the abstract is one thing.
—
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
In this contemporary dining room, the cool sage green wall color balances out the warmth of the fiery orange in the abstract piece of art.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Its oblique introduction begins with Bini foraging for mushrooms on a hillside, presenting him as a man in touch with nature in the abstract, before the movie yanks us into the fold of his profession.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
The concept of mass deportations may work better for Trump in the abstract than in reality, Jackson said.
—Margaret Talev, Axios, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for in the abstract 
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.
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
In this contemporary dining room, the cool sage green wall color balances out the warmth of the fiery orange in the abstract piece of art.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025
Its oblique introduction begins with Bini foraging for mushrooms on a hillside, presenting him as a man in touch with nature in the abstract, before the movie yanks us into the fold of his profession.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
The concept of mass deportations may work better for Trump in the abstract than in reality, Jackson said.
—Margaret Talev, Axios, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for in the abstract
Dictionary Entries Near in the abstract
Cite this Entry
“In the abstract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20abstract. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share