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 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

That preoccupation with time has also led to a long-running collaboration with Hamilton, which has worked with Nolan on several films.

— Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
In fact, this preoccupation is the secret theme of these sun-and-sand songs.

— Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

Definition of preoccupation

Noun

Supplements may help people with limited diets or absorption issues, but most adults can hit their targets by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.

— Christina Manian, Health, 23 July 2026
What has changed is the depth of private-sector shock absorption sitting between bad news and a central bank response.

— Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of absorption

Noun

And the urgency of Judar’s meditations on authoritarianism, impunity, social repression, and avenues for liberation in the United States in 2026 is so clear as to be self-evident.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026
Newkirk, a political organizer and meditation teacher, struggled to rally local progressives around his campaign.

— Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 21 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 27 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

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes