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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Two legal experts told the Idaho Statesman this month that, absent of cognitive or mental deficits, the precedent set in Atkins v. Virginia likely wouldn’t be enough to take the death penalty off the table for Kohberger.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2025
Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018
See All Example Sentences for absent
Adjective
Prince William, representing King Charles III, who was absent due to health reasons, opted for a classic dark suit and tie, aligning more closely with The Vatican's expectations for such occasions.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Two legal experts told the Idaho Statesman this month that, absent of cognitive or mental deficits, the precedent set in Atkins v. Virginia likely wouldn’t be enough to take the death penalty off the table for Kohberger.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 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
-
When Michele Romano went missing last August, her family and their close friend, podcaster Lauren Lee Malloy, labored over flyers bearing her image: a woman with a gentle smile and a spill of braids, wrapped in a cozy, pale rainbow cardigan.—
Brenna Ehrlich,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Bookbindings For the record, Tom paid for Maddie’s missing ear to be reconstructed.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Bold tactic allows Bassett to shine, play with comfort Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic believes Cole Bassett can get a little bit too preoccupied thinking about goals and assists to actually score and provide them.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Remember that kids may be too preoccupied at times to sit down and eat.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2025
Preposition
-
For those without savings, the most popular way to cover an emergency expense is to use a credit card, according to a Bankrate report.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
-
While states don't collect data on the number of students without legal status in the classroom, Republicans have pointed to the rising number of English learners in public schools, although estimates from the advocacy group EdTrust show that the majority of those students are citizens.—
Marianna Bacallao,
NPR,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Ironically, without Geneviève and her encouragement of Jack over the course of the season, Jack likely never would have made such an out-of-the-box decision.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $129,842.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Even internal morale can take a hit when leadership appears distracted or unstable.—
David Centeno,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
June fills in her friend on Mayday's plan to come back, kill the distracted commanders, and free all the girls.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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