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
Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney last week said Rousseau had shown a lack of judgment by releasing only an English-language video after the crash.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
For many Americans, transportation options such as taking the bus aren't feasible, given that many regions lack mass transit.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
But before that report could be finalized, it was dropped — not for lack of evidence, but for lack of resources.
—Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney last week said Rousseau had shown a lack of judgment by releasing only an English-language video after the crash.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
The real story may lack the drama of a Hollywood adventure, but for the families and the dogs themselves, an ordinary walk home was always the happiest ending.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
For many Americans, transportation options such as taking the bus aren't feasible, given that many regions lack mass transit.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
Or based on the fact that Denver (47-28) had overcome that absence of defense to win its fifth consecutive game, extending the team’s longest streak in more than three months.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
-
In Morel’s absence, Connor Norby will get the bulk of the reps at first base with backup catcher Liam Hicks and De Los Santos also getting reps there.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The lack of pay has contributed to high call-out rates at airports across the country, including at Philadelphia International Airport, where staffing shortages have led to longer security lines.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The war has threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertilizer shortages and disrupted air travel.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The shelter held a 'Mutt Madness' event on Saturday to help, but there remains a huge need for larger breeds to find homes.—
Janay Reece,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
-
February 19 – March 20 Small choices ought to honor your current needs.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Titone is also concerned about a new audit of OIT that identified serious deficiencies in the state's cybersecurity protocols.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
In fact, one study found 84% of postmenopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis had a magnesium deficiency.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
These questions linger as Ion goes about his day, looking for work, begging for change, and scarfing down a meal—moments that flash by in quick, propulsive blips.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
White denim absolutely begs for a smart partner underneath.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ali, who wasn’t formally charged, called his family to say that he would be released on bail, and asked them to gather the funds and collect him from prison.—
Cora Engelbrecht,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The Manteca Fire Department is taking action and trying to get ahead of this fire season by asking residents to reduce fire danger or face fines.—
Carmela Karcher,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Martha sat on the other bed and thought about what a perverse species humans were—to insist on eating something that had tried so hard to be inedible.—
Cassandra Neyenesch,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
-
House and Senate Democrats, meanwhile, insisted that the easiest and quickest way to end the shutdown would be for the House to pass the Senate compromise.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Trump is widely expected to exact changes at CNN as well if Ellison succeeds in buying WBD, owner the cable channel.—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Mar. 2026
-
These two teams swept each other on the road during the regular season, but Hicks and the Pios exacted part one of their revenge with a 2-1 overtime victory in the semifinals of this year’s Frozen Faceoff.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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