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
Offseasons are about adding wins and building rosters, but that’s in the abstract.
—
Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Some reinforcements are on the way for the Wild.
After existing in the abstract pretty much ever since he was drafted, Russian prospect Danila Yuorv has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Wild.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
These sentences would be unremarkable in the abstract—say, in a constitutional-law lesson.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
The Meaning Of Leadership Vision and strategy sound great in the abstract.
—Balvinder Singh Banjardar, Forbes, 24 Mar. 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.
Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Some reinforcements are on the way for the Wild.
After existing in the abstract pretty much ever since he was drafted, Russian prospect Danila Yuorv has officially signed his entry-level contract with the Wild.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025
These sentences would be unremarkable in the abstract—say, in a constitutional-law lesson.
—Jeannie Suk Gersen, The New Yorker, 13 Feb. 2025
The Meaning Of Leadership Vision and strategy sound great in the abstract.
—Balvinder Singh Banjardar, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share