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
But all those stories about kids, for all their concerns, leaned into a sense of wonder, or joy, that seems glaringly absent these days. —Jeremy Dauber, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025 Arizona cities were nearly absent from the GoBankingRates list. —Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 31 July 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
  • The pigs are playing an unlikely role as proxies for humans in research to help find the staggering number of people who have gone missing in Mexico during decades of drug cartel violence.
    — Dave Smith, Fortune, 29 July 2025
  • In July, the DOJ released a tape recording of the camera in his prison cell leading to allegations there were some missing minutes, three according to an examination of the metadata by Wired.
    — Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 July 2025
Definition of missing
Adjective
  • Stoic leaders, such as Marcus Aurelius and the great Roman orator Cicero, were intensely preoccupied with justice and the language used to administer it.
    — Anna Jankowska, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The guy who typically signs off on public statements may be a little preoccupied.
    — Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 17 July 2025
Definition of preoccupied
Preposition
  • Add the steak in an even layer, without overlapping the meat (if necessary, work in batches to prevent crowding the pan).
    — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Those without fines are also encouraged to donate items, as each item will be used anonymously to forgive another patron’s fines.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Definition of without
Adjective
  • It has been speculated the deal is for one season with an out clause if an NBA team wishes to sign him.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2025
  • In the final 11-on-11 period, Heinicke threw to Fitzpatrick on an out route near the right sideline.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 July 2025
Definition of out
Adjective
  • Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol were involved but are looking into distracted driving as a factor in the crash.
    — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 July 2025
  • These systems detect behaviors like hard braking or distracted driving and provide real-time alerts.
    — Gaurav Sharda, Forbes.com, 25 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.

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