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
When Heathcliff returns to Yorkshire a rich man after a three-year absence and finds Cathy married to Edgar, the roles reverse.
—
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Tony Stewart pilots dragsters and returned from a decades-long absence Friday at Daytona International Speedway to race trucks.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
After missing Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, James was aggressive and active from the opening tip against the Mavericks in the absence of Dončić.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
But everyone is rattled by her absence and what’s going on—and following the news closely.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026
Tony Stewart pilots dragsters and returned from a decades-long absence Friday at Daytona International Speedway to race trucks.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
After missing Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, James was aggressive and active from the opening tip against the Mavericks in the absence of Dončić.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
But everyone is rattled by her absence and what’s going on—and following the news closely.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
From an outside lens, Norway’s lack of hockey success doesn’t make much sense, especially considering its status in other winter sports.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Visits to the shrine are seen by Japan's neighbors as evidence of a lack of remorse for Japan's wartime past.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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CultureCon offers free scholarship tickets to students with financial needs and also partners with colleges to offer free admission.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
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There’s been constant friction, thanks in part to political pressure and the clout of developers, and one of the many future threats to the core mission is the need for more housing throughout the state.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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