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
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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
It is estimated that in recent years, between 10 to 20 factories have shut down due to aging ownership and a dearth of successors to take the reins and write the next chapter.
—
Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
There is no dearth of beautiful locales in Mexico, but Mandarina offers something different.
—Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026
The race has been notable not only for a dearth of out-of-state money but for a general lack of overall spending, a stark contrast to the tens of millions of dollars that poured into the 2022 GOP primary.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Council raises income limits for incentives Boise’s latest Housing Needs Analysis identified a dearth of low-income housing options, particularly for families making 60% of the area median income or below.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
There is no dearth of beautiful locales in Mexico, but Mandarina offers something different.
—Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026
The race has been notable not only for a dearth of out-of-state money but for a general lack of overall spending, a stark contrast to the tens of millions of dollars that poured into the 2022 GOP primary.
—Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
Council raises income limits for incentives Boise’s latest Housing Needs Analysis identified a dearth of low-income housing options, particularly for families making 60% of the area median income or below.
—Mark Dee
march 12, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dearth
Noun
-
The lack of pay has contributed to high call-out rates at airports across the country, including at Philadelphia International Airport, where staffing shortages have led to longer security lines.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The war has threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertilizer shortages and disrupted air travel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ultimately, a lack of Democratic support for weakening the filibuster prevented them from passing that legislation, but Republicans were also vehemently opposed and leaned on arguments about protecting states’ rights.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Mar. 2026
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That played into his lack of worry about Iowa’s turnaround from its Sunday upset of defending national champion and top-seeded Florida, at least from a physical and travel standpoint.—
Colleen Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Or based on the fact that Denver (47-28) had overcome that absence of defense to win its fifth consecutive game, extending the team’s longest streak in more than three months.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
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In Morel’s absence, Connor Norby will get the bulk of the reps at first base with backup catcher Liam Hicks and De Los Santos also getting reps there.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dearth. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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