about 1 of 3

1
2
as in around
close to about the hedge there was a picket fence

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in throughout
in random positions within the boundaries of sparrows hopping about the lawn near the bird feeder

Synonyms & Similar Words

about

2 of 3

adverb

1
as in round
on all sides or in every direction people standing about waiting for a salesclerk to assist them

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
4
5
as in everywhere
in one place and another his garage was a dirty, cluttered place with various tools and engine parts just lying about

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

about

3 of 3

adjective

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 about
Preposition
Our astronomical alignments are about to get better in the coming years. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 But a version of that is what the country is about to try. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Deeper questions were asked about Western creatives being entrusted with a historical story about the Middle East, while buyers raised concerns about the movie’s optics after the October 7 attack on Israel. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025 While vocal over the years about his aversion to sell, take on a business partner or publicly list the company, rumors about Armani contemplating forming a foundation first emerged in 2012. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Black children constitute about 15% of students, but 42% of those who are mechanically restrained using a device or equipment. Fred Clasen-Kelly, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, flash floods in Pakistan’s Punjab province have destroyed thousands of acres of farmland, wiping out about 60% of crops and 30% of its sugar cane; cotton production is also expected to fall by 35%. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for about
Recent Examples of Synonyms for about
Preposition
  • Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The tragedy is still under investigation but concerns have been raised regarding congested airspace and understaffed air traffic control facilities at Reagan National.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • Overmont Oversized Double Camping Chair This Overmont Double Chair is built for snuggling up around the campfire, but it can be used to spread out while solo.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The ensemble featured a visible black underwire and corset boning at the bust and torso, while the sheer black fabric created an illusion of draping around her bust and the rest of her body.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • The world might end up ruled by large technology companies that impose their solutions throughout entire continents, leaving little space for homegrown creativity.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cash’s death was met with profound sadness throughout the music community.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • California’s legal fight to get those funds back–which hadn’t been spent–will take months if not years to resolve.
    Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Inflation has ticked up in recent months, rekindling price concerns that stretch back to a pandemic-era explosion of household costs.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Merging with Teck will almost certainly be the master stroke in removing it from any plans by BHP to return with a fresh offer for Anglo American.
    Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Apple has since confirmed that the functionality will come to almost all modern smartwatch models.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In approximately 14 months, voters will once again head to the polls to vote.
    Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The collection features approximately 350 works created in Cuba from the revolution through the 2000s.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • So, whether you’re headed to Italy or just running errands closer to home, Seyfried’s sneakers are proof that one good pair can carry you everywhere.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
  • There’s just utility workers and government workers everywhere.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • European policymakers were fully aware of the reorganization and job losses at Volkswagen, Luman said, amid broader concerns that falling employment in Germany’s historic car industry could put even more positions at risk.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • More importantly, people became aware of the ecological value and beauty of raptors and turned against killing them.
    Tom Langen, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“About.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/about. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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