omission

noun

omis·​sion ō-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce omission (audio)
ə-
Synonyms of omission
1
a
: something neglected or left undone
There are a few omissions in the list.
b
: apathy toward or neglect of duty
The police officer was reprimanded for the omission of his duty to inform the suspect of his rights.
2
: the act of omitting : the state of being omitted
Her omission from the team was surprising.

Synonyms of omission

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Examples of omission in a Sentence

There are a few omissions in the list. the disk contains a selection of deleted scenes, and a couple of the omissions greatly add to the intelligibility of the movie's plot
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
There were no cognitive tasks researchers routinely go for in brain studies, but there was a purpose behind this omission. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026 The omission or downplaying of these facts contributes to public misinformation and undermines the defense of democracy. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 What readers are saying The comments primarily discuss the omission of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFLUSIVA, from the article, highlighting its recent FDA approval and effectiveness for those over 50. — Kathleen Felton, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026 There’s the recurring omission of pivotal moments — in the last two weeks alone, Mae’s death happens offscreen, as does everyone finding out about it — which is less vexing with tough scenes than joyous ones. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for omission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English omissioun, from Anglo-French omission, from Late Latin omission-, omissio, from Latin omittere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of omission was in the 14th century

Rhymes for omission

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Browse Nearby Words

omissible
omission
omissive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Omission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omission. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

omission

noun
omis·​sion ō-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce omission (audio)
ə-
1
: something omitted
2
: the act of omitting : the state of being omitted

Legal Definition

omission

noun
omis·​sion ō-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce omission (audio)
1
: something neglected, left out, or left undone
2
: the act, fact, or state of leaving something out or failing to do something especially that is required by duty, procedure, or law
liable for a criminal act or omission
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