lack 1 of 2

noun

Definition of lacknext
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

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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

lack

2 of 2

verb

as in to hurt (for)

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lack
Noun
Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026 The Canadian catastrophe highlighted the inadequacies of the current system of supply and the lack of American credit. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Verb
Defense witnesses pointed to boastful teens, fireworks-like flashes and uncertain ignition points, with an expert arguing that fireworks were the likely cause and that prosecutors lack proof that a lighter sparked the blaze. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 The supplement blend focuses on vitamin B and vitamin D, a nutrient Monaghan recognizes many people commonly lack. — Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
  1. absence
  2. shortage
  3. need
  4. beg
  5. deficiency
  6. ask
  7. insist
  8. exact
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The report argues that the museum has deemphasized America’s founding, noting the absence of major exhibits devoted to the Founding Fathers or key events of the American Revolution as the country marks its 250th anniversary.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of absence
Noun
  • The divergence is over whether the worker shortage is improving slowly or still getting worse, and what the Supreme Court should do about it.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Lights had been switched off to conserve electricity amid fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since the beginning of the year.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • All of this spells the need for clear rules and for lawmakers and law enforcement to catch up with this rapidly changing transportation.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • But when Erik Spoelstra is strategizing, the needs of Nikola Jovic, for better or worse, are not going to be at the top of the organizational process.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of need
Verb
  • The premise is begging for those capable of delivering big expressions to capture what the F1 drama would have been like in the 1960s.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • Rhaena goes to the Vale and begs Lady Jeyne Arryn for sanctuary, but the noblewoman wants nothing to do with her.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of beg
Noun
  • The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Interveinal chlorosis and yellowing in new leaves can indicate an iron deficiency.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of deficiency
Verb
  • When asked about his All-Star nod over the weekend, Joe Ryan focused on his team’s offense and the upcoming schedule instead of himself.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Darnell didn’t have an answer when asked if Acuff, Clifford and Cardwell will play against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday in the final game of the California Classic.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of ask
Verb
  • Rodríguez rejected those accusations, insisting authorities mobilized immediately.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • Even with some international teams packing up to go home, Rodríguez late Thursday insisted that the government was not winding down rescue efforts.
    — Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of insist
Verb
  • Revenge dramas often start with the death of the lead, who is then reborn, ready to exact their revenge.
    — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026
  • The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating.
    — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

lacings
lack
lackadaisical
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Cite this Entry

“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lack

Nglish: Translation of lack for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lack

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