What does "abracadabra" mean?
A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.
Abracadabra
/ˌæbɹəkəˈdæbɹə/ intj, noun
intj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.
- Grammar: abracadabra is listed as intj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: catchphrase, chant, charm, conjuration.
- Useful contrasts: boringness, mundane speech, ordinary language.
- Usage evidence: He said abracadabra and there appeared a pigeon.
How to use "abracadabra"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "abracadabra" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "abracadabra" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "abracadabra" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "abracadabra" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "abracadabra" is acting as intj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "catchphrase" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "abracadabra", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.
"Where is the necessity of this provision in the Constitution? […] Can anyone believe that we, by any amendments of ours, by any of our scribbling on that parchment, by any amulet, any legerdemain—charm—Abrecadabra—of ours can prevent our sons from doing the same thing—that is, from doing as they please, just as we are doing as we please? It is impossible. Who can bind posterity?"
- 2 gibberish and nonsense wordnet
- 3 Mumbo jumbo; obscure language or technicalities; jargon.
"I don’t know all the theoretical abracadabra about how it works, I’m only its pilot."
Intj
- 1 Used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.
"Next, the conjuror filled a glass with water from a big jug and then covered the tumbler with a cloth. "Abracadabra," he cried and crumpled the cloth."
Antonyms
Example
"He said abracadabra and there appeared a pigeon."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "abracadabra"?
Common synonyms include: catchphrase, chant, charm, conjuration, exclamation, gibberish.
How do you use "abracadabra" in a sentence?
He said abracadabra and there appeared a pigeon.
How do you pronounce "abracadabra"?
Pronounced /ˌæbɹəkəˈdæbɹə/.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Late Latin abracadabra.