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
Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
Millions of workers lack workplace retirement savings Roughly two-fifths of full-time workers – and four-fifths of part-time workers – lack access to retirement savings through their employers, according to the Economic Innovation Group.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 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
However, despite the deluge of social media posts from hair transplant recipients, including Huffman, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery warns that many Turkish hair clinics are unlicensed and lack proper medical oversight.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026
Millions of workers lack workplace retirement savings Roughly two-fifths of full-time workers – and four-fifths of part-time workers – lack access to retirement savings through their employers, according to the Economic Innovation Group.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
The Warriors finished 37-45 this year while dealing with numerous injuries, including losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending right knee injury in January and Curry’s 27-game absence with a right knee injury of his own.—
Janie McCauley,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
-
The Warriors were 37-45 this season while dealing with numerous injuries, including losing Jimmy Butler to a season-ending right knee injury in January and Curry’s 27-game absence with a right knee injury of his own.—
Janie McCauley,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
There won’t be a shortage of suitors, if Alvarez is made available.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in the loss of nearly a billion barrels of oil, with the shortage growing worse every day the sea lane remains closed.—
Azhar Sukri,
CNBC,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Often, everyone is trying their best but finding that there are simply too many competing and seemingly conflicting needs.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
-
Later, the Moon squares the Sun and could expose tension between private needs and outside expectations.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
While apps can sometimes be helpful for identifying very basic issues, many fail to accurately diagnose complex pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.—
Jamie Siebrase,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
The launch was a response to the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which can cause hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Several visiting unaffiliated curators, who would not go on the record for this story with quotes, begged for more cohesion.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
8 May 2026
-
Most regular folks, including the thousands of fans streaming into Quail Hollow Thursday, would beg to differ.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The congresswoman asked lawmakers to assess the situation and develop a repatriation plan by the end of the day on May 7.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
The debate was sponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7 and Colorado Public Radio, and the first question asked Bennet and Weiser to identify a policy position that separated them.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Success at tests like puzzles and mazes, which appeared to Washburn to be the result of reasoning, or insight—observation and detection—Thorndike insisted was instead merely the result of blundering, repetition, and trial and error.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
In an age where most people view art not with their eyes, but through the lens of technology, Abramović banned the use of phones in her show, insisting that people be fully present in the work.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Colleagues describe Perakis-Valat as equal parts competitive and personable, an exacting leader who uses humor to defuse tense situations, someone who inspires his teams with intelligence and warmth.—
Jenny B. Fine,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
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From social skills to social media, school, relationships, and discovering their own sense of self, teenagers face challenges that can sometimes exact a toll on their mental health.—
Cindy Hsu,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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