absent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈab-sənt How to pronounce absent (audio)
Definition of absentnext
1
as in missing
not at a certain place three students were absent because of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lacking
not present or in evidence the city's usual stir of activity was conspicuously absent due to the report of an escaped lion from the zoo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in preoccupied
lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings or actions seemed absent when I told him you were coming because he nodded but didn't say anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

absent

2 of 2

preposition

ˈab-sənt How to pronounce absent (audio)
as in without
not having absent a significant source of investment funds, the fledgling company continues to struggle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word absent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of absent are absentminded, abstracted, distracted, and preoccupied. While all these words mean "inattentive to what claims or demands consideration," absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters.

an absent stare

When might absentminded be a better fit than absent?

Although the words absentminded and absent have much in common, absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness.

so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes

When can abstracted be used instead of absent?

The words abstracted and absent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters.

walking about with an abstracted air

When would distracted be a good substitute for absent?

In some situations, the words distracted and absent are roughly equivalent. However, distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety.

was too distracted by grief to continue working

When is preoccupied a more appropriate choice than absent?

While in some cases nearly identical to absent, preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others.

too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal

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 absent
Adjective
Prince William, representing King Charles III, who was absent due to health reasons, opted for a classic dark suit and tie, aligning more closely with The Vatican's expectations for such occasions. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 Two legal experts told the Idaho Statesman this month that, absent of cognitive or mental deficits, the precedent set in Atkins v. Virginia likely wouldn’t be enough to take the death penalty off the table for Kohberger. —Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2025
Preposition
Under no circumstances should Brett Kavanaugh be confirmed absent a full and complete investigation. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2018 See All Example Sentences for absent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for absent
  1. missing
  2. preoccupied
  3. without
  4. out
  5. distracted
Adjective
  • When Michele Romano went missing last August, her family and their close friend, podcaster Lauren Lee Malloy, labored over flyers bearing her image: a woman with a gentle smile and a spill of braids, wrapped in a cozy, pale rainbow cardigan.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Bookbindings For the record, Tom paid for Maddie’s missing ear to be reconstructed.
    — Sara Netzley, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of missing
Adjective
  • Bold tactic allows Bassett to shine, play with comfort Rapids midfielder Djordje Mihailovic believes Cole Bassett can get a little bit too preoccupied thinking about goals and assists to actually score and provide them.
    — Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Remember that kids may be too preoccupied at times to sit down and eat.
    — ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of preoccupied
Preposition
  • The Royals are already without two relievers in Hunter Harvey and Sam Long.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Ultimately, the judge ruled that jurors had heard enough without listening to a child’s heartbreak.
    — Jenni Carlson, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of without
Adjective
  • Ironically, without Geneviève and her encouragement of Jack over the course of the season, Jack likely never would have made such an out-of-the-box decision.
    — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $129,842.
    — Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of out
Adjective
  • Even internal morale can take a hit when leadership appears distracted or unstable.
    — David Centeno, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • June fills in her friend on Mayday's plan to come back, kill the distracted commanders, and free all the girls.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of distracted

Phrases Containing absent

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absence
absent
absented oneself
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Cite this Entry

“Absent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/absent. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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