1
as in lack
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the absence of volunteers to be troop leaders is putting the scouting program in real jeopardy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
the fact or state of being absent
in the absence of ferry service to the island, the ecotourists had to charter a plane
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of absence
Silence here isn’t an absence, though.
—
Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Gotham's Jaedyn Shaw started after a three-match absence due to injury.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Prosecutors have evidence of Noel’s absence — that no one has seen him — but not his body.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Gotham's Jaedyn Shaw started after a three-match absence due to injury.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
However, the absence of distinct stratigraphy and the relatively thin sedimentary layer prompted questions about this interpretation.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Prosecutors have evidence of Noel’s absence — that no one has seen him — but not his body.
—Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
As recently as 2022, research group IDinsight found unintended pregnancy was, after a lack of money for school fees, the leading cause of girls not returning to education.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In Miami-Dade, the lack of oversight has been acute, the Herald found.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Channel 24 answered a need identified by a city study on the local music economy back in 2023.—
Madisen Keavy,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
The need in the north Overland Park operates one indoor pool, three outdoor pools and five water play areas to serve its population, according to the master plan draft.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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