1
as in absence
the fact or state of being absent
the lack of news about the fate of the soldiers was frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the lack of eligible candidates for the jury kept the trial from getting started
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the lack of fresh water at the campsite definitely would be a problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lack
Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026
Against this background, borrowers hoping to purchase a home or refinance their current one need to take a step back to determine their next steps (or lack thereof).
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
Those Win50 figures lack context, though, the Oilers charity says.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Without one, arriving in your new destination means everything from neck pain and headaches to exhaustion from lack of sleep.
—Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 2026
Against this background, borrowers hoping to purchase a home or refinance their current one need to take a step back to determine their next steps (or lack thereof).
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Verb
This often means tapping into the resources of professional groups to build the reliable financial runway most independent professionals lack.
—Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
Those Win50 figures lack context, though, the Oilers charity says.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Marettimo The most remote of the Egadi Islands, tiny Marettimo—accessible via ferry from Trapani—remains delightfully rustic thanks to its limited accessibility, near absence of cars, and lack of large hotels.—
Nicky Swallow,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
-
His absence will shift the club’s bullpen mix.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
American officials also said Beijing would address rare earth shortages, although this was not mentioned in the corresponding statement from China.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
Mental-health support is often discussed in broad terms, but meaningful progress happens when care is local, comprehensive and responsive to the unique needs of individuals and families.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
Arrests and citations do nothing to address these needs.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
For most people eating a typical diet, sodium deficiency is very rare.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
-
This season, however, due to a number of factors including changing personnel, injuries, underperformance from key players and tactical deficiencies, Liverpool have become a soft touch and easy to play against.—
Colin Millar,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Adonis yells as Gillis begs him to pull over.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
-
Beyond a few days with warmer temperatures, the real sign that spring has arrived is when my nose starts to run, my throat begins to itch, and my eyes are begging for eye drops every morning.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
Patients were concerned too, and some asked Hulse what would happen to the new clinic after her team left.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Real change begins when communities insist on solutions that restore dignity, stability, and hope rather than pushing people out of sight.—
Shianne LeClaire,
Hartford Courant,
17 May 2026
-
Maybe, for those who knew his story, this was a high school marker for when college recruiters insisted Jackson was a receiver at the next level.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Pushed by an exacting director to pour her grief into the performance, she is simultaneously visited by the ghost of her deceased partner, who carries an impending climate prophecy.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
Harris’ approach to storytelling — methodical, exacting and surreal — places her within a storied tradition.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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