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
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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
Now, Detroit's Cade Cunningham (chest) has joined him for an extended absence.
—
CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Despite Bilodeau’s absence, the Bruins are back in the second round for the second straight tournament after missing out in 2024.
—Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Center Dominic Toninato was recalled from Rockford on Friday morning to make up for Magiapane’s absence.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals, was the most notable absence from a 35-man squad named by coach Amir Ghalenoei on Friday for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica in the Turkish city of Antalya.
—Reuters, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Despite Bilodeau’s absence, the Bruins are back in the second round for the second straight tournament after missing out in 2024.
—Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
Center Dominic Toninato was recalled from Rockford on Friday morning to make up for Magiapane’s absence.
—Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals, was the most notable absence from a 35-man squad named by coach Amir Ghalenoei on Friday for friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica in the Turkish city of Antalya.
—Reuters, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
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Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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That played into his lack of worry about Iowa’s turnaround from its Sunday upset of defending national champion and top-seeded Florida, at least from a physical and travel standpoint.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Its extensive menu ranges from advanced biohacking and LED therapy to DNA testing aimed at identifying hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and nutritional needs, as well as bespoke sleep programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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With Lauer starting the season in the rotation, the Jays have a clear need for length in the bullpen.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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