absent 1 of 2

Definition of absentnext
1
as in missing
not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

absent

2 of 2

preposition

as in without
not having absent a significant source of investment funds, the fledgling company continues to struggle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word absent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of absent are absentminded, abstracted, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When might absentminded be a better fit than absent?

Although the words absentminded and absent have much in common, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When can abstracted be used instead of absent?

The words abstracted and absent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When would distracted be a good substitute for absent?

In some situations, the words distracted and absent are roughly equivalent. However, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is preoccupied a more appropriate choice than absent?

While in some cases nearly identical to absent, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of absent
Adjective
Strong contrasts almost disappeared, colors were consistently muted, white was never truly white, and black was nearly absent. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Darkness itself carries no price tag, however, meaning its loss has largely been absent from the economic calculations that guide development and outdoor lighting decisions. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 June 2026 Additionally, recipients must live in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands, and must not be absent from the United States for a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days. Emily Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026 Shehadeh, a son of Palestinian immigrants, learned to hustle from his hard-working but largely absent father. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for absent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absent
Adjective
  • Officials estimate about 5 ballots remain to be counted and 17,650 are waiting to cure a missing or mismatched signature.
    Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • The number of casualties is expected to climb with thousands reported missing and frantic rescue efforts continuing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • An honest review would tell you the coordination was a little lacking in this particular bit of maritime cosplay.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • While sports governing bodies such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee have come to recognize that press freedom is an essential part of their commitments to uphold human rights, results are vastly lacking.
    Gypsy Guillén Kaiser, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the actor was a little preoccupied with another franchise.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • If anything, the upper crust have more time to be artistic — less preoccupied with getting a job and making a living.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Preposition
  • Gonzalez Gurrola remains in custody without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • The case challenges the agency’s practice of holding noncitizens for sometimes days in facilities without a bed or other adequate accommodations.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Marlins loaded the bases with one out before Kyle Stowers grounded into an apparent inning-ending double play, but the out call at the plate was overturned on review and Pauley was ruled safe.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
  • Norway in Boston will be a tougher test, although one imagines the competitor in him again will want to out-perform Erling Haaland.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some big rubber balls had been tossed in to keep them distracted.
    Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The problem, Larson said, is that Congress was highly distracted at the time with passing the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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