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 dearth of information has repeatedly led to inaccuracies in media reports, and on sanctions and law enforcement lists.
—
Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Many in-person book clubs have also noticed a dearth of male members.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Apart from Grey’s, there is somewhat of a dearth of Black male doctors currently on TV.
—Essence, 7 Oct. 2025
And the furlough of more than 9,000 National Park Service employees will create a dearth of park rangers to ensure safety and guide visitors.
—Brian Todd, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Many in-person book clubs have also noticed a dearth of male members.
—Angela Yang, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Apart from Grey’s, there is somewhat of a dearth of Black male doctors currently on TV.
—Essence, 7 Oct. 2025
And the furlough of more than 9,000 National Park Service employees will create a dearth of park rangers to ensure safety and guide visitors.
—Brian Todd, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dearth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dearth
Noun
-
When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Flights are being delayed and cancelled across the country because of airport staffing shortages.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Despite his lack of coaching experience at the MLB level, Vitello was named manager of the San Francisco Giants last month.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Part of the reason why there are so few of these conversations about podcasting is a general lack of criticism for narrative audio.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In the absence of whales, sucker fish avoid predators by seeking other large creatures to latch onto, including manta rays, dolphins and unlucky scuba divers.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
As the project neared completion and after several years of absence, Peter Selz returned to reclaim his title of project director.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dearth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dearth. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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