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
Orta studied the absence of dominant trends and the rise of micro-trends shaping today’s denim landscape to prepare for Spring/Summer 2027.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Still, some absences weigh heavier than others, especially as some of these performers carry a gravitas that can't be matched.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
That absence of a decent character makes what happens cold and soulless.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Most of those that did — Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, and Utah among them — lack visibility into the reasons for excused versus unexcused absences.
—Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
Still, some absences weigh heavier than others, especially as some of these performers carry a gravitas that can't be matched.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
That absence of a decent character makes what happens cold and soulless.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025
Most of those that did — Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, and Utah among them — lack visibility into the reasons for excused versus unexcused absences.
—Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
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Other issues brought up at the meeting included ongoing construction, public safety and a lack of sufficient workforce housing.—
Mars King,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
-
D’Alleva Valas said the biggest barrier for women, though, isn’t a lack of knowledge.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Rising tensions around the world, particularly with China, have challenged America’s ability to secure all of those crucial needs.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
13 Oct. 2025
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The social media post didn't specify which trim was added to the Tennessee Highway Patrol's fleet, but every Mustang can produce enough giddyup to satisfy the needs of troopers.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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