1
2
as in lacking
not present or in evidence
the city's usual stir of activity was conspicuously absent due to the report of an escaped lion from the zoo
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in preoccupied
lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions
seemed absent when I told him you were coming because he nodded but didn't say anything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of absent
Solcyré Burga, Time, 24 June 2025
The aesthetic’s rigid parameters become even more apparent in what’s absent.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 2025
Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018
See All Example Sentences for absent
Adjective
Other candidates include New York City comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and former comptroller Scott Stringer.
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The current mayor, Eric Adams, is notably absent from the primary ballot after facing federal charges for corruption and bribery.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 24 June 2025
The aesthetic’s rigid parameters become even more apparent in what’s absent.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 June 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 El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon that divers near D.L. Bliss State Park found at about 2:40 p.m. the second of two people who went missing after the vessel flipped.—
Ethan Wolin,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2025
-
Arizona authorities made a dramatic rescue after a woman who went on a hike with her father went missing for three days.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
In an era where so many action movies feel bloated, impersonal, or too preoccupied with setting up spin-offs, Plane is refreshingly straightforward.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
Nora and Madeline, meanwhile, aren’t as well developed, but then again, they’re both entirely preoccupied throughout with trying to understand what on earth is going on in this creepy house, what their mothers aren’t telling them and why.—
Ilana Masad,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Preposition
-
Both are being held without bond in Frederick County, with bail reviews scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.—
Racquel Bazos,
Baltimore Sun,
1 July 2025
-
The Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band is open to musicians of all ages, without audition.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Those qualities, if combined with consistency, will quell any concerns about his adaptability to the Premier League and the need to fine-tune his out-of-possession attributes. 7.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
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But the South Dakota hospital refused to submit the bill to his out-of-state Medicaid plan, instead sending it to Wirt and eventually threatening to send the debt to a collection agency.—
Arielle Zionts,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Guevara had warrants issued for his arrest in connection with charges of distracted driving, failing to obey a traffic control device and reckless driving, which were secured by the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office on June 20.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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For employers, this means a labor force comprised of people who are anxious, distracted, or simply not there, said Stacy Greiner, CEO of on-demand pay platform DailyPay.—
Susan Caminiti,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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