1
as in absence
the fact or state of being absent
the lack of news about the fate of the soldiers was frustrating
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the lack of eligible candidates for the jury kept the trial from getting started
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in need
a state of being without something necessary, desirable, or useful
the lack of fresh water at the campsite definitely would be a problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lack
Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The savings have been significant, but Orrock is quick to emphasize that her decision to go the DIY route is not rooted in a lack of appreciation for professionals.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 2026
Inside the sparse, upscale abode, cardboard moving boxes are still scattered across the entryway, and his shelves lack ingredients.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Noun
Ale Checka, a longtime Fort Worth ISD teacher and regular speaker at board meeting public comment sessions, pressed Hinojosa on the lack of oversight and awareness regarding the takeover of Fort Worth ISD from state lawmakers in Austin.
—Samuel O’Neal 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
The savings have been significant, but Orrock is quick to emphasize that her decision to go the DIY route is not rooted in a lack of appreciation for professionals.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Verb
Democrats lack subpoena power as the minority party, making the requests a long shot.
—Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 11 June 2026
Inside the sparse, upscale abode, cardboard moving boxes are still scattered across the entryway, and his shelves lack ingredients.
—Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lack
Noun
-
The local agricultural cooperative now struggles given the absence of irrigated agriculture in that area overlying the Ogallala.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
-
Backup running back Phil Mafah has impressed coaches with first-team reps and a red zone touchdown, while veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling picked up significant first-team work in the absence of George Pickens.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The resulting labor shortage is driving up wages, another source of inflation in the country.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The war displaced most of the Palestinian population of more than 2 million, left large parts of the territory in rubble and created widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies asGaza’s border crossings — all but one controlled by Israel — were shut.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The fee adjustment captured the attention of many farmers about the underlying need for reform.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
14 June 2026
-
The European Commission added that the latest developments underline Europe’s need for technological sovereignty.—
Maggie Eastland,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
My brothers-in-law and their spouses give their parents only limited amounts of time on holidays and limited physical assistance to their parents only if my husband begs for help.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
-
While Plymouth, Massachusetts, likes to take credit for the first Thanksgiving, for example, local history experts beg to differ.—
Amy Galo,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Swollen hands or feet can indicate severe protein deficiency.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
13 June 2026
-
Fertilize peonies in early spring and fall if growth is poor or soil tests show nutrient deficiencies.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
According to sources, Thomas was asked to appear as well but ultimately decided not to participate.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
He was confronted with the accusation on the course and was asked to leave, the outlet reported.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Trump has insisted Iran end its nuclear weapons program and surrender its enriched uranium.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
-
Rather than containing culture in a single venue, Son de L’amour moves through spaces, as if insisting that memory should not be stationary.—
Desjah Altvater,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
But those standards are exacting.—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
10 June 2026
-
The market is healthy, and brands are catering to an exacting set of demands.—
Joe Bobowicz,
Vogue,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lack. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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