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
But after the Leafs’ 3-2 shootout loss to the white-hot Buffalo Sabres, Matthews’ injury and subsequent absence from the team was still front of mind for the Leafs.
—
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
In most cases, the natural tendency to organize large teams into smaller groups wins out, and flat teams end up establishing makeshift hierarchies in the absence of formal ones.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
His absence has done little to dampen the fervor of those faithful to the regime, thousands of whom have taken to the streets to pledge their allegiance.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Leroux sat out the 2025 season for an excused absence.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
In most cases, the natural tendency to organize large teams into smaller groups wins out, and flat teams end up establishing makeshift hierarchies in the absence of formal ones.
—Claire Zillman, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
His absence has done little to dampen the fervor of those faithful to the regime, thousands of whom have taken to the streets to pledge their allegiance.
—Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Leroux sat out the 2025 season for an excused absence.
—Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Its only post office is in danger of closing due to lack of funding, and fliers are posted up on lamp posts asking for financial support from the community.—
Xuan Juliana Wang,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Lakewood police were heavily criticized for their handling of the investigation into Gratton’s death, including for using her deadname and for an overall lack of transparency about the investigation.—
The Denver Post,
Denver Post,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But not all airlines hedge, and those that do are usually only protected for a portion of their fuel needs, meaning prolonged price surges may cause more carriers to raise fares.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Ledezma, a senior research analyst at the CSU Chancellor’s Office and doctoral candidate at UC Irvine, spoke during her interview about the need to remove barriers for students in the region.—
Walker Armstrong,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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