absent 1 of 2

1
as in missing
not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

absent

2 of 2

preposition

as in without
not having absent a significant source of investment funds, the fledgling company continues to struggle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word absent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of absent are absentminded, abstracted, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When might absentminded be a better fit than absent?

Although the words absentminded and absent have much in common, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When can abstracted be used instead of absent?

The words abstracted and absent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When would distracted be a good substitute for absent?

In some situations, the words distracted and absent are roughly equivalent. However, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is preoccupied a more appropriate choice than absent?

While in some cases nearly identical to absent, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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 absent
Adjective
This could not be 100% confirmed, as of Aug. 12, although rumors and speculation point to Antonoff and Dessner being absent from this album, and Max Martin and Shellback taking over producing duties. David Wysong, The Enquirer, 12 Aug. 2025 Tenants have described rat and pest infestations, missing hot water and heat, sagging infrastructure, unsecured doors and absent management. Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025
Preposition
Under no circumstances should Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed absent a full and complete investigation. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018 See All Example Sentences for absent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absent
Adjective
  • The twin bells at Urakami Cathedral, which was destroyed in the bombing, also rang together again after one of the bells that had gone missing following the attack was restored by volunteers.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The Sheriff’s Office was notified shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday that Odin Upton had gone missing from his home near Browning Road in Gentry, according to the release.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Stoic leaders, such as Marcus Aurelius and the great Roman orator Cicero, were intensely preoccupied with justice and the language used to administer it.
    Anna Jankowska, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The guy who typically signs off on public statements may be a little preoccupied.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 July 2025
Preposition
  • Most people shift their weight from one leg to another without much thought.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The influencer, who has amassed more than 37,000 followers on TikTok, has been actively creating content that documents immigration enforcement since Trump directed his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There are also concerns about bias, a new cohort of progressive journalists who are part of an out-of-touch media elite, relentlessly negative coverage, and incessant scandal and celebrity stories.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • Contreras and Megill were both jubilant in their celebrations following the out call by home plate umpire Will Little, who both yelled and fist-pumped.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • El Financiero also reported that authorities are investigating whether the accident was caused by excessive speed or distracted driving.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In high school, she was disorganized and distracted.
    Holden Seidlitz, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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