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
Paxton separately demanded that Austin ISD turn over records related to attendance, absences, security protocols and internal communications, accusing the district of facilitating the demonstrations.
—
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn is comfortable running smaller lineups with four guards on the floor around a single post player, though Strong’s absence will add some pressure to senior center Serah Williams in the starting group.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
Doncic has missed eight games already this season, and the Lakers have gone 4-4 in his absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
The Pistons were without their bruising first-time All-Star center Jalen Duren, but his absence didn’t stop Detroit from imposing its physical game plan against Jalen Brunson, who shot 4-of-20 from the field for 12 points and four assists on the night.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
UConn is comfortable running smaller lineups with four guards on the floor around a single post player, though Strong’s absence will add some pressure to senior center Serah Williams in the starting group.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026
Doncic has missed eight games already this season, and the Lakers have gone 4-4 in his absence.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Feb. 2026
The Pistons were without their bruising first-time All-Star center Jalen Duren, but his absence didn’t stop Detroit from imposing its physical game plan against Jalen Brunson, who shot 4-of-20 from the field for 12 points and four assists on the night.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for absence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absence
Noun
-
There should be empathy for his injury, but no sympathy for his lack of production.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the weeks after the December 14 attack, the government has repeatedly pushed the need for social cohesion.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
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In this way, as high-functioning digital tools are radically recontextualizing the world of investing, financial dashboards are evolving to meet new needs and answer new problems.—
William Jones,
Ascend Agency,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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