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
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 absence
The Pittsburgh Penguins took a significant step forward this season, returning to the playoffs after a three-year absence.
—
CBS News, 2 May 2026
In both cases, the absence of urgency creates a different kind of risk.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Amid these developments Fujimori supporters regrouped politically, forming the Alliance for the Future (Alianza por el Futuro), a coalition intended to carry forward the Fujimorista movement in his absence.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
Counsell added that the bullpen has done well in Palencia’s absence with Caleb Thielbar (who is now in the IL), Riley Martin, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb and Brown notching saves.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
CBS News, 2 May 2026
In both cases, the absence of urgency creates a different kind of risk.
—Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Amid these developments Fujimori supporters regrouped politically, forming the Alliance for the Future (Alianza por el Futuro), a coalition intended to carry forward the Fujimorista movement in his absence.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
Counsell added that the bullpen has done well in Palencia’s absence with Caleb Thielbar (who is now in the IL), Riley Martin, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb and Brown notching saves.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Goldman Sachs estimated that Qatar could see its GDP plunge by 14%, citing its lack of alternative export channels to the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This Fire sign is, after all, notorious for its lack of a filter… and the 24-year-old singer just so happens to have her sun, Venus and Pluto here.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Not peckish, not in need of a little boost—hungry, immediately and completely, hunger as urgent as any alarm clock.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
3 May 2026
-
August 23 – September 22 Something at home needs adjusting before everything else works smoothly today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
