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

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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
That fix is absent from the update advisory page—at least for now. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Notably, North Carolina is absent from both publicly available lists. Caroline Haskins, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024
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
  • Now, 14 years later, their teenage daughter has gone missing from a summer camp near the family’s Adirondack estate.
    Rachel Flynn, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The girls went missing that day after going hiking at the Monon High Bridge in Delphi.
    Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Stay preoccupied with limitless activities such as hiking, biking, boating, and antique shopping. Rooms: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms Amenities: Private balcony/patio, indoor fireplace, outdoor dining area, fire pit, BBQ grill Distance From NYC: 1.5 hours by car.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024
  • Indeed, no one is more preoccupied with such star power than Donald Trump himself, who basks in the adulation and approval of luminaries who support him and regularly lashes out at those who don’t.
    Brian Lowry, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
Preposition
  • Best Black Friday Tarte highlighter deals Tarte is also known for their long-lasting, shimmery highlighters that will give you just the right amount of glow, without looking chalky or cakey.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The findings detail lapses in oversight that left families without deeds to their homes.
    Christine Clarridge, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $144,219.
    Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 24 Nov. 2024
  • Molly Cook, the Texas Senate’s first out LGBTQ member, who assumed office in May, won her election to continue serving as well.
    Sarah Prager, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Critics say that drivers who assume their Tesla can operate safely and with total autonomy tend to become complacent or distracted — and then fail to take manual control when necessary.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Rawlinson is famously competitive with Tesla chief Elon Musk, recently tweaking his former boss for becoming distracted and letting Lucid seize the mantle of most advanced and innovative EVs.
    Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 18 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near absent

Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

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