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
Heiskanen’s absence, however, did allow Harley to shine more on his own.
—
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2025
So maybe Dowdle and company can find a way to find some success on the ground in Hubbard's absence.
—Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Stocks are at all-time highs, with tech names in particular rallying even in the absence of any government data.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2025
So maybe Dowdle and company can find a way to find some success on the ground in Hubbard's absence.
—Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Stocks are at all-time highs, with tech names in particular rallying even in the absence of any government data.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies.
—Callum Sutherland, Time, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
Youths frustrated at a social media ban, corruption and lack of economic opportunities coordinated mass protests via Discord that helped bring down the government.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
If the shutdown drags on, the lack of government data could strain investors’ understanding of the health of the labor market and path of inflation at a time when stocks are historically expensive and vulnerable to a surprise.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The water system is in most urgent need of financial help, according to the IBA, largely due to the rising costs of buying water from the San Diego County Water Authority and the lack of regular rate hikes prior to 2023.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Sep. 2025
-
That should put you on track to find the ideal laser or ink tank printer for your needs.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share