1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the absence of volunteers to be troop leaders is putting the scouting program in real jeopardy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
the fact or state of being absent
in the absence of ferry service to the island, the ecotourists had to charter a plane
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of absence
Pulisic is a key piece of the USMNT, and his absence was noticeable in the second half.
—
Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
His absence will be a boost to a Bosnia team riding a wave of momentum into the World Cup.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
As for Vista’s absence from the steering committee, the spokesperson said the hospital’s leadership is aware of the Initiative.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
These were insurmountable issues with less than six months to get the special on screen, even if post-production would have been shortened by the absence of an international partner.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
His absence will be a boost to a Bosnia team riding a wave of momentum into the World Cup.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 12 June 2026
As for Vista’s absence from the steering committee, the spokesperson said the hospital’s leadership is aware of the Initiative.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
These were insurmountable issues with less than six months to get the special on screen, even if post-production would have been shortened by the absence of an international partner.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Silva said the single most alarming aspect of the report was the lack of information available to emergency responders.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
-
The Mexican team’s lack of elite club experience, however, is obvious and could be a problem.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Pentagon planners have increasingly recognized the need for replenishable drones designed for contested environments.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Padding at the heels ensures these faux leather sneakers are comfy straight from the box, but they’re also designed to be simultaneously flexible and supportive to accommodate the needs of your weary feet during long travel days.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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