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
One factor in whether to grant an injunction is if the plaintiff would suffer irreparable harm in the absence of an injunction.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 June 2025
Beom-woo’s growth, and the confirmation of his romantic relationship with Yeon-joo, is hurt by the absence of a scene that has Beom-woo telling Yeon-joo the whole story and putting his actions and growth in context to prove his understanding.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
McDaniel declined to say if Smith will be fined for his absence.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.
—Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 June 2025
Beom-woo’s growth, and the confirmation of his romantic relationship with Yeon-joo, is hurt by the absence of a scene that has Beom-woo telling Yeon-joo the whole story and putting his actions and growth in context to prove his understanding.
—Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
McDaniel declined to say if Smith will be fined for his absence.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 June 2025
Research suggests disengagement isn't simply the absence of engagement but a distinct psychological state with its own antecedents and consequences.
—Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Brandon Bell/Getty Images What To Know A chronic lack of inventory, partially due to the fact that homebuilders in the U.S. significantly underbuilt in the years following the 2008 crash, contributed to bringing U.S. home prices through the roof in recent years.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
In American literature, this is perhaps a relatively recent phenomenon too, one that could be attributed to a lack of global (and local) educational foundation.—
Aram Mrjoian
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
However, operational reporting needs often go beyond what SAP’s native tools provide.—
Govinda Rao Banothu,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
-
Nigeria, like much of Africa, faces an urgent need: jobs.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share