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
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Recent Examples of absence
Notably, even in the absence of prey, the brain continued to alternate between exploration and exploitation.
—
Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
One woman cried silently at their absence.
—Tassanee Vejpongsa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Center Joel Eriksson Ek and forward Marcus Johansson, however, were on track to return against the Red Wings after absences of six games and three games, respectively.
—CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
One woman cried silently at their absence.
—Tassanee Vejpongsa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026
Center Joel Eriksson Ek and forward Marcus Johansson, however, were on track to return against the Red Wings after absences of six games and three games, respectively.
—CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
Throughout his nearly two-year Love On Tour, Styles’ live band became part of his showman persona; their absence heightens the song’s melancholy and intimacy.
—Heven Haile, Pitchfork, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
The court acquitted Kim of two other charges, citing a lack of evidence and other reasons.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The meeting was canceled because of a lack of a quorum.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The broader context underscores the need for new approaches.—
Mayo Clinic News Network,
Boston Herald,
25 Jan. 2026
-
This dual approach — consumer tool plus enterprise solution — reflects a broader strategy to meet the distinct needs of patients and healthcare systems in a regulated environment.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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