ABSENTMINDEDNESS Synonyms: 28 Similar Words

absentmindedness

noun

as in preoccupation

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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 absentmindedness After the shopping trip, Kyle is FaceTiming with Boz about Dorit’s spending, her absentmindedness, and her inability to be on time, as if any of this is new. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 Some of her absentmindedness in that situation can be attributed to the sleep deprivation that accompanies life as new parent. — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Poppy might have learned his lesson after the first one, but absentmindedness is strong in our gene pool. — Maggie Shipstead, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2021

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absentmindedness

Noun

The result, says Roya, is deepening apathy among her fellow citizens, whose preoccupation now is just getting by.

— Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026
The loneliness of the long-distance grieving survivalist is the main preoccupation of The Dog Stars, Ridley Scott’s moody, surprisingly sensitive adaptation of Scott Heller’s 2012 novel.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of preoccupation

Noun

The tech tracks patterns over time rather than snapping random images, following frequency, consistency and shape to draw insights about hydration, digestion and nutrient absorption.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
There is disquiet in the absorption that translation requires, the way the self enters another world at the possible expense of the current one.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of absorption

Noun

Values on a wall ask people to interpret abstractions, while stories carry judgment and understanding inside them.

— Bryan Adams, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
The film is downright Tarkovskian for its initial hour, unspooling through eerie abstractions that heighten its lingering domestic turmoil.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of abstraction

Noun

And finally, there’s poor Leighton Vance — or at least a version of Leighton Vance who’s not the CEO of Velocity Tech but the leader of a small meditation group.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
At the Miraval Slumber Party, guests explore their sleep patterns and dreams, then are guided through acupressure exercises, stretching, and meditations with singing bowls.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of meditation

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absentminded

absentmindedness

absent oneself

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“Absentmindedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absentmindedness. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of absentmindedness

noun

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