ABSENTMINDEDNESS Synonyms: 28 Similar Words

absentmindedness

noun

as in preoccupation

Related Words

Relevance

Example 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 absentmindedness 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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for absentmindedness

Noun

Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device.

— Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
These milestones demonstrate that the past is colored and edited by the preoccupations of the present.

— George F. Will, Washington Post, 3 July 2026

Definition of preoccupation

Noun

The transfer stops being theoretical For a decade, the 'Great Wealth Transfer' has been a conference-slide abstraction — an enormous number attached to a date comfortably far away.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Yet in an era increasingly defined by digital abstraction and impermanence, fashion designers are newly preoccupied with the tangible and historic.

— Emmanuel Olunkwa, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026

Definition of abstraction

Noun

Mindful downtime, including meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or reading instead of screen time, promotes better sleep and mental quiet.

— Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Residential patients will also have access to a stickball court, garden space for traditional foods, a gym and room for meditation.

— Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of meditation

Browse Nearby Words

absentminded

absentmindedness

absent oneself

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Absentmindedness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absentmindedness. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of absentmindedness

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on absentmindedness

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

effulgence

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes