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
In the absence of government help, ordinary Venezuelans dug barehanded through the rubble of the week’s earthquakes for loved ones.
—
Samantha Schmidt,
Washington Post,
27 June 2026
There’s an absence of visual noise.
—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
27 June 2026
His presence on the show is honored here, and his absence is felt.
—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Silences that begin to look less like absence than management.
—
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Samantha Schmidt,
Washington Post,
27 June 2026
There’s an absence of visual noise.
—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
27 June 2026
His presence on the show is honored here, and his absence is felt.
—
Jen Chaney,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Silences that begin to look less like absence than management.
—
Literary Hub,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
These areas often have awkward entrances and lack ventilation, which allows heat to build quickly.
-
Nearly half acknowledged mental health issues, and 34% felt their lack of personal relationships was a factor that contributed to feeling purposeless.
Noun
-
Handle power dynamics well by stating needs and listening for fears beneath reactions.
-
Instead, the space agency is planning a mission to rescue the telescope and extend its mission for several more years – negating the need to spend more money to replace the observatory, NASA said in a press release.
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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