Entry Word: absentminded

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 lost in thought and unaware of oneʼs surroundings or actions <the grieving woman was so absentminded that she left her key in the lock after opening the door>

Synonyms absent, abstracted, preoccupied

Related Words absorbed, daydreaming, distracted, dreaming, dreamy, engrossed, faraway, intent, pensive, rapt; heedless, inattentive, insensible, oblivious, unaware, unconscious, unheeding, unknowing, unmindful, unobservant, unobserving, unperceiving, unperceptive, unseeing, unthinking, unwary, unwitting, vacant; befogged, befuddled, bemused, bewildered, confused, dazed, flighty, foggy, forgetful, forgetting, hazy, muddled, scatterbrained, unfocused

Near Antonyms alive, attentive, aware, conscious, heedful, mindful, observant, observing, open-eyed, sharp, vigilant, wary, watchful, wide-awake; clearheaded, unconfused

Antonyms alert

2 inclined to forget what one has learned or to do what one should <an absentminded aunt who some years sends me two birthday checks> — see forgetful