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
Overall, archaeologists noted the absence of artifacts typically found in ordinary houses on the site, such as cooking instruments, storage, or domestic items.
—
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Outfielder Drew Gilber served as a defensive replacement for Bader in the bottom of the ninth inning in Friday’s 8-6 walk-off loss, and the 25-year-old rookie should get his share of starts in Bader’s absence.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Opponents have also repeatedly attacked her response to the Palisades fire, including scrutiny over her absence from Los Angeles during the onset of the disaster while traveling abroad on a diplomatic trip to Ghana.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 29 May 2026
But in the absence of Hollywood spectacle, Cannes 2026 reflected a changing film industry, one in which TikTokers can become directors, AI can automate the production process and re-releases breathe new life into old prestige titles.
—Sophia Morano, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Outfielder Drew Gilber served as a defensive replacement for Bader in the bottom of the ninth inning in Friday’s 8-6 walk-off loss, and the 25-year-old rookie should get his share of starts in Bader’s absence.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
Opponents have also repeatedly attacked her response to the Palisades fire, including scrutiny over her absence from Los Angeles during the onset of the disaster while traveling abroad on a diplomatic trip to Ghana.
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 29 May 2026
But in the absence of Hollywood spectacle, Cannes 2026 reflected a changing film industry, one in which TikTokers can become directors, AI can automate the production process and re-releases breathe new life into old prestige titles.
—Sophia Morano, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
While DeGette has focused her comments on the need for humanitarian aid, Kiros has more directly criticized Israel and questioned its legitimacy as a state.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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Regular blood rechecks will be necessary and will determine the need for medications, possibly for the rest of her life.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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