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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of absent
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
With Pulisic absent on the left, the US focused their attacks on the right side of the pitch with Sergiño Dest becoming the focal point of constant attacks with his mazy runs upfield.
—
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Fox News,
27 Sep. 2018
See All Example Sentences for absent
Adjective
Despite the extremely low target mass, detection remained precise and stable, performing as though the water itself were effectively absent from the detection environment, according to BMRT.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
With Pulisic absent on the left, the US focused their attacks on the right side of the pitch with Sergiño Dest becoming the focal point of constant attacks with his mazy runs upfield.
—
David Close,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
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
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Officials estimate about 5 ballots remain to be counted and 17,650 are waiting to cure a missing or mismatched signature.
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The number of casualties is expected to climb with thousands reported missing and frantic rescue efforts continuing.
Adjective
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An honest review would tell you the coordination was a little lacking in this particular bit of maritime cosplay.
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While sports governing bodies such as FIFA and the International Olympic Committee have come to recognize that press freedom is an essential part of their commitments to uphold human rights, results are vastly lacking.
Adjective
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Unfortunately, the actor was a little preoccupied with another franchise.
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If anything, the upper crust have more time to be artistic — less preoccupied with getting a job and making a living.
Preposition
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Gonzalez Gurrola remains in custody without bail at the Sacramento County Main Jail.
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The case challenges the agency’s practice of holding noncitizens for sometimes days in facilities without a bed or other adequate accommodations.
Adjective
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Going back more than half a century, the out party (which is to say the one not in the White House) has gained an average of more than two dozen House seats in the midterm election.
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Premium large formats have skyrocketed in popularity since COVID, in part because the larger-than-life screens help distinguish the out-of-the-home moviegoing experience.
Adjective
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Anderson has said the body double acts as a kind of calmer mirror, and that the distracted person feels a quiet pull not to waste the other person’s time.
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As if the sudden influx of orders weren't enough, Carmy also has to contend with feuding employees, a delinquent trainee, a distracted pastry chef, a dearth of giardiniera, and a dry Sharpie.
Cite this Entry
“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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