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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of lack
Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Six species last documented since 2016 will be added to the list in 2026 due to a lack of recent documentation, including the Mindoro bleeding-heart and Mindoro imperial pigeon from the Philippines and the Samoan white-eye from Savai’i, Samoa.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
Comparisons of Hormuz Strait with the Suez and Panama canals lack merit.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
World leaders welcomed the ceasefire, although analysts characterized the agreement as fragile and warned that a substantial lack of trust on both sides will likely complicate the path to lasting peace.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Six species last documented since 2016 will be added to the list in 2026 due to a lack of recent documentation, including the Mindoro bleeding-heart and Mindoro imperial pigeon from the Philippines and the Samoan white-eye from Savai’i, Samoa.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Yet, unlike such marine mammals as whales and seals, sea otters lack a thick layer of blubber to insulate them.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2026
Comparisons of Hormuz Strait with the Suez and Panama canals lack merit.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
The Lakers' injury woes remain dire, but Marcus Smart had six points and seven assists against Phoenix in his return from a nine-game injury absence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Braves manager Walt Weiss slotted Dubón in center not only because of Harris’ absence, but also because outfielder Eli White is dealing with plantar fasciitis and is day-to-day.—
Chad Bishop,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Police began cracking down Saturday, using pepper spray to help clear protesters at the Whitegate refinery in County Cork and vowing to remove others who were endangering critical infrastructure and public safety because gas shortages could prevent response by emergency services.—
Brian Melley,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The International Energy Agency, S&P Global, BloombergNEF, Wood Mackenzie, and Goldman Sachs have all corroborated Grantham’s point, with the IEA projecting shortages in copper and lithium within a decade.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The need for all these gimmicks is something that Margo didn’t initially realize.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
With no pressing need for FX, sets, name actors or stunts, just about anyone could make a marketable knockoff.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Given Luna’s physical deficiencies, the system relies on human employees to prepare the shop and interact with customers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Back at the main building, Restaurant Kinsley draws both guests and locals with a seasonal New American menu featuring oysters, rigatoni, and a flourless brownie that begs for repeat orders.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The Blue Jays have been begging for a spark for the last six games, anything to reignite an offence and bring home a win.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Aries March 21 – April 19 Your work — professional or personal — may ask a little more of you today.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Namira’s mother often asks her children to copy-edit her e-mails.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Yet to a man, those who endured last season and remained insist this has been better, even as the standings tell an all-too-familiar story.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Israeli forces have continued strikes on Hezbollah as Iran insists a broader ceasefire includes an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And the Knicks better be ready, ready for the Celtics to attempt to exact some revenge for the way things ended a season ago.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Yet the psychological impact — on local populations, on the economy of metropolitan Dubai, on the commercial shipping sector and the oil market — has proven Iran is capable of exacting greater pain than its conventional military capabilities would suggest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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