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
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 absence
Derrick White returned from a one-game injury absence and hit four threes to finish with 22 points, plus five assists and a block.
—
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
These guidelines are even responsible for the absence of Netflix at the Cannes Film Festival, since the event requires every film in competition to be distributed in cinemas in France.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
Despite that success, the Dolphins’ offensive staff has failed to consistently prepare backup quarterbacks for Tagovailoa’s absences, as Miami’s starter has missed 11 games in the past three seasons.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
While the parent might justify their absence by pointing to their provision of necessities, the lack of emotional connection will leave a hefty void in the child’s life.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence 
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Jan. 2025
These guidelines are even responsible for the absence of Netflix at the Cannes Film Festival, since the event requires every film in competition to be distributed in cinemas in France.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025
Despite that success, the Dolphins’ offensive staff has failed to consistently prepare backup quarterbacks for Tagovailoa’s absences, as Miami’s starter has missed 11 games in the past three seasons.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
While the parent might justify their absence by pointing to their provision of necessities, the lack of emotional connection will leave a hefty void in the child’s life.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for absence
Articles Related to absence
Thesaurus Entries Near absence
Cite this Entry
“Absence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absence. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share