1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there was a dearth of usable firewood at the campsite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lack
the fact or state of being absent
the dearth of salesclerks at the shoe store annoyed us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dearth
The team also found that periods of elevated ocean temperatures — usually times of stress for the microbes because of a dearth of nutrients — actually resulted in more of those positive interactions.
—
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The dearth of trees on the island implied to some that the inhabitants had cut them down to make clubs and shields.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Most of their 125-year existence has been defined by a dearth of starting pitching; the homegrown variety, specifically.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
The dearth of investigators identified in the report factored into the agency’s ability to fully investigate potential leads, including those that pointed to Devastating Pyrotechnics before the tragedy.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
The dearth of trees on the island implied to some that the inhabitants had cut them down to make clubs and shields.
—Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Most of their 125-year existence has been defined by a dearth of starting pitching; the homegrown variety, specifically.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
The dearth of investigators identified in the report factored into the agency’s ability to fully investigate potential leads, including those that pointed to Devastating Pyrotechnics before the tragedy.
—Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dearth
Noun
-
Several cultural events, including a book fair, have been postponed in Cuba this month as the island grapples with the most severe fuel shortages and power blackouts in years.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
However, power outages and staff shortages also might be at play.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There should be empathy for his injury, but no sympathy for his lack of production.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The shooting stars competition returned to All-Star Weekend after a 10-year absence, with Team Knicks defeating Team Cameron 47-38.—
Steve Galluzzo,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Armchair analysis fills the space that is created by the absence of available facts.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dearth. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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