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
Keep your eye on the predictions and handicap accordingly, though this field offers a dearth of off-track options.
—
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
For one, the event was sparsely attended, highlighting the dearth of foreign visitors and the thinning ranks of bankers, executives, and investors in the city.
—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
4 June 2026
Analysts cite a dearth of superstar fighters as an ongoing business concern.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
With two, sometimes three long relievers in the bullpen, the Mets have had a dearth of late-inning relievers to turn to.
—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Teresa Genaro,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
For one, the event was sparsely attended, highlighting the dearth of foreign visitors and the thinning ranks of bankers, executives, and investors in the city.
—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
4 June 2026
Analysts cite a dearth of superstar fighters as an ongoing business concern.
—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
With two, sometimes three long relievers in the bullpen, the Mets have had a dearth of late-inning relievers to turn to.
—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dearth
Noun
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The Crimean peninsula has had periodic fuel shortages from Ukrainian strikes before, but the current crisis is the worst since its 2014 annexation.
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Novelli said one of the reasons many kids in New Haven are still behind in reading is a shortage of pre-kindergarten education.
Noun
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These areas often have awkward entrances and lack ventilation, which allows heat to build quickly.
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Nearly half acknowledged mental health issues, and 34% felt their lack of personal relationships was a factor that contributed to feeling purposeless.
Noun
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If anything, Messi’s early absence reinforced why Argentina will enter the knockout stage as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
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Why Other Sports Don’t Need Them The absence of movement clauses in other leagues is not accidental.
Cite this Entry
“Dearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dearth. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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