Abstract and Summary

Abstract

Abstract noun - A short statement of the main points.
Usage example: the scientist wrote a bare-bones abstract of his research and conclusions

Summary is a synonym for abstract in thing topic. In some cases you can use "Summary" instead a noun "Abstract", when it comes to topics like report, outline. popular alternative

Summary

Summary noun - A short statement of the main points.
Usage example: many book reports choose to begin with a summary of the book

Abstract is a synonym for summary in report topic. You can use "Abstract" instead a noun "Summary", if it concerns topics such as outline, synopsis, short statement of main points. popular alternative

How words are described

condensed condensed abstract condensed summary
Cite this Source
Summary and Abstract. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstract/summary
Abstract & Summary. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstract/summary>.
Summary or Abstract. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstract/summary.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "abstract" and "summary" have occurred on timeline