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

Fretting about the future is a favorite preoccupation of the conscientious.

— Joe Fassler, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of preoccupation

Noun

By combining central load absorption, multi-axis flexibility, and active retraction control, the Robotrax system offers plant engineers and system integrators a reliable path toward maximizing robot uptime and reducing total operational costs.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
This supports the hypothesis that their coloration likely facilitates more efficient absorption of solar radiation and aids thermoregulation.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of absorption

Noun

Illustration lost critical standing with the rise of abstraction, according to Moffatt and author Leo Braudy, professor emeritus of English and art history at USC.

— Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Liang Manqi, known for geometric abstraction, presents an installation in which painting spills off the canvas and onto walls, floors and three-dimensional structures.

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of abstraction

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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 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of absentmindedness

noun

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